Founding Legal Counsel
Larson Maddox is partnering with a VC-backed AI startup seeking a Founding Counsel to establish and lead its legal function. This is a rare opportunity to join a category-defining technology company at a pivotal stage of growth and serve as a key strategic partner to executive leadership.
As the company's first dedicated legal hire, you will play a critical role in supporting the business across commercial transactions, product development, regulatory matters, privacy, and broader corporate initiatives. The successful candidate will combine strong legal judgment with a practical, business-oriented approach and a passion for helping high-growth organizations scale.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Revenue Support
- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, technology, and partnership agreements.
- Partner closely with go-to-market and revenue teams to facilitate efficient deal execution.
- Develop contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and scalable legal processes.
- Provide practical, risk-balanced guidance to support business growth and commercial objectives.
Product, Privacy & Regulatory Counseling
- Advise on technology, product, privacy, data governance, and regulatory matters.
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders on the development and launch of new products and services.
- Monitor evolving legal and regulatory developments impacting innovative technology companies.
- Assist in the development of internal policies and compliance frameworks.
Strategic Business Partnership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on legal, operational, and strategic initiatives.
- Support partnerships, vendor relationships, and other key business transactions.
- Manage and coordinate external counsel across specialized areas of law.
- Contribute to corporate governance and other company-wide initiatives as needed.
Building the Legal Function
- Establish and scale the company's legal infrastructure, processes, and best practices.
- Create efficient systems to support a rapidly growing organization.
- Develop training materials and legal guidance for internal stakeholders.
- Play a foundational role in shaping the future legal organization.
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar membership.
- 8+ years of legal experience.
- Combination of law firm and in-house experience preferred.
- Significant experience negotiating and advising on commercial technology agreements.
- Strong understanding of privacy, technology, and regulatory issues affecting growth-stage businesses.
- Proven ability to operate independently and manage a diverse range of legal matters.
- Excellent business judgment and a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset.
Preferred Background
- Experience supporting high-growth technology, software, SaaS, or AI-driven businesses.
- Prior experience as an early legal hire or member of a lean legal team.
- Experience building scalable legal processes and infrastructure.
- Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with product, sales, and executive leadership teams.
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