Associate General Counsel

About Tenor Legal: Tenor is the premier legal services firm known for innovation and excellence across one of the broadest and most dynamic networks of talent in the legal industry. We work with Fortune 500 companies and top-tier law firms, offering exceptional legal professionals on both flexible secondment and permanent placements.The OpportunityTenor Legal is partnering with a high-growth Austin-based fintech operating at the intersection of finance and hospitality to find its first dedicated Associate General Counsel. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, this is a permanent, in-office role for a hands-on generalist ready to build a legal function from the ground up alongside a smart, business-minded executive team.About the ClientOur client is a high-growth Austin-based fintech company that has scaled rapidly across the hospitality sector and recently closed a significant funding round. Legal work today is run by the Chief Risk Officer with support from outside counsel. The Associate General Counsel will take primary ownership of contracts, financing documentation, employment matters, and day-to-day legal advice, working closely with the CRO and the executive team to support continued growth.Key DetailsTitle: Associate General CounselReports to: Chief Risk OfficerLocation: Austin, TX (in-office, five days per week initially with flexibility once ramped)Type: Full-time, permanentCompensation: $250,000–$285,000 base salary, plus equity and discretionary bonusBenefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, generous PTO, parental leave, and moreResponsibilitiesCommercial Contracting (~40%): Draft, review, and negotiate the full range of commercial agreements — partnership agreements with hospitality operators, vendor and procurement contracts, service agreements, NDAs, and investment agreements supporting the company's funding model.Financing & Strategic Transactions (~25%): Support negotiation and execution of debt facilities with major banking partners, investor agreements, and other strategic financings. Coordinate with the finance and executive teams and quarterback outside counsel on complex deals.Employment & Internal Legal (~15%): Manage employment law matters, including policy development, workplace investigations, and day-to-day employment advice in partnership with the People team.Outside Counsel Management (~10%): Select, manage, and evaluate outside counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal support aligned with business priorities.Regulatory, Compliance & Governance (~10%): Monitor and interpret regulatory developments affecting the business. Support corporate governance, entity management, and SOC 2 / compliance frameworks in partnership with the security and technology teams.QualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school and active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction6+ years of substantive legal experienceDemonstrated ability to operate as a hands-on generalist across commercial, financing, employment, and regulatory workstreamsExperience in a small-company or early-stage environment where the lawyer wears every hatStrong contract drafting and negotiation skills, with comfort across both upward-facing (banks, investors, partners) and downward-facing (vendors, operators) deal flowProven judgment in delivering risk-calibrated advice that supports business decision-makers rather than gatekeepingCollaborative, business-minded, and comfortable working alongside non-legal executives day-to-dayPreferred ExperienceCombination of top law firm and in-house experienceBackground in fintech, payments, marketplaces, consumer technology, or hospitalityExposure to debt facilities, structured credit transactions, venture financing, or capital markets activityFamiliarity with employment law and regulatory compliance frameworksTexas bar admission or willingness to obtainWhy This RoleThis is an opportunity to step into the first dedicated legal role at a high-growth company that has proven its model and is now scaling rapidly. You will own a broad and substantive legal portfolio from day one, work directly with a supportive executive team, and play a defining role in shaping the legal function as the company grows. For a hands-on generalist with an entrepreneurial bent, this is a chance to build something — with the mandate, equity, and runway to do it well.Tenor Legal is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.