1st Legal Hire - VC backed AI Company

Larson Maddox is partnering with a VC-backed AI startup seeking their 1st in house 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.

Title flexible!