T. Nicole Delahoussaye
Austin
Summary
Effective legal professional with extensive experience in commercial legal advising, excelling in contract negotiation and risk management. Proven track record in leading teams, optimizing legal workflows, enhancing efficiency through AI technology adoption. Adept at navigating complex agreements and fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive strategic business outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Commercial Counsel
Canva
08.2022 - Current
- Negotiate and advise on AI model provider agreements, navigating complex issues including data rights, model usage restrictions, liability allocation, and evolving regulatory considerations;
- Advise on and negotiate ecosystem partnership deals, structuring commercial arrangements that balance growth objectives with legal and reputational risk across a global platform;
- Manage network of international external counsel for Canva's global affiliates, overseeing outside counsel selection, relationship management, and spend optimization;
- Partner cross-functionally with finance, procurement, and operations to embed legal in commercial decision-making, facilitating scalable deal execution across the business;
- Advise procurement and business stakeholders on third-party risk, focusing on data privacy, brand reputation, and vendor compliance matters;
- Lead a team of junior attorneys and contracting managers, overseeing day-to-day workflow, professional development, and quality of commercial legal output across the function;
- Drafted and led the company-wide revamp of Canva's signatory authority policy, a foundational governance initiative aligned across all business units and senior leadership;
- Designed and delivered commercial legal training programs for Canva's global affiliates, standardizing risk management practices and contracting protocols across jurisdictions;
- Apply agentic AI tools to enhance legal workflows, contracting efficiency, and team productivity, operating at the forefront of legal technology adoption.
Legal Manager
Visa, Inc.
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Managed IP rights, regulatory compliance, data protection, and privacy risks, safeguarding Visa's reputation and financial integrity;
- Successfully drafted and negotiated over 200 agreements, facilitating third-party service integration;
- Enabled sourcing team through guidance, training, and counsel on contracting templates and exhibits, streamlining legal reviews to prioritize complex and strategic deals;
- Led weekly 'stand ups' with sourcing team to resolve contracting roadblocks and address suppliers' redlines.
Sourcing Manager
USAA
06.2018 - 02.2020
- Achieved $5.35M in cost savings across agreements, contributing to USAA's financial success in FY19.
- Managed IT sourcing and contract negotiations, optimizing procurement to align with corporate goals;
- Collaborated with CFO, HR, and stakeholders to streamline strategic sourcing for IT services;
- Conducted risk analyses for third-party engagements, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations;
- Advised on contractual and financial risks, enabling informed stakeholder decision-making;
- Drafted and revised complex agreements and RFXs to ensure compliance and protect organizational interests;
Contracts Attorney
Sirius Computer Solutions Inc.
San Antonio
12.2016 - 06.2018
- Drafted and reviewed contracts for software licensing agreements and service engagements.
- Managed contract lifecycle processes, including renewals and amendments for various agreements.
- Reviewed existing contracts for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align legal strategies with business objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Government
The University of Texas At Austin
Juris Doctorate -
St. Mary's University School of Law
San Antonio, TXSkills
- Contract Drafting and Negotiation
- Contract Cycle Optimization
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies
- Due Diligence Assessment
- Team Leadership and Coaching
- Technology adoption
Certification
State Bar of Texas, 24061073
Additional Work Experience
- Martin & Drought P.C. - 2015-2016
- Thomas J. Henry Law - 2013-2016
- Speights & Worrich Trial Lawyers - 2010-2013
Conducted comprehensive analysis of state and federal insurance regulations, enhancing compliance and risk management strategies through clear and concise documentation. Successfully argued pre-trial motions in civil litigation, driving favorable outcomes in high-stakes personal injury cases and strengthening the firm's litigation strategy. Streamlined trial preparation by drafting critical legal documents, including motions in limine and witness lists, optimizing courtroom efficiency and effectiveness. Negotiated and drafted settlement agreements, ensuring favorable terms for clients while minimizing litigation costs and time.
Timeline
Lead Commercial Counsel
Canva
08.2022 - Current
Legal Manager
Visa, Inc.
03.2020 - 07.2022
Sourcing Manager
USAA
06.2018 - 02.2020
Contracts Attorney
Sirius Computer Solutions Inc.
12.2016 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Government
The University of Texas At Austin
Juris Doctorate -
St. Mary's University School of Law