Corporate Counsel

Our client is an early-stage, high-growth AI research company entering a period of rapid commercial expansion. They are looking to hire their first Corporate Counsel to build the legal function from the ground up, while working very closely with outside counsel. The ideal candidate will take ownership of a broad range of legal matters, partner closely with leadership, and help enable the business to scale efficiently while managing risk in a fast-moving environment.Compensation package: $270,000–330,000 base + bonus + meaningful equity.Work model: 3 days on-site in Palo Alto, CA Preferred profile:3–8 years of legal experience, preferably gained at a leading law firm with a focus on corporate, M&A, technology transactions, emerging companies, or venture capital. Strong experience leading commercial contracting, including MSAs, SaaS agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, and partnership deals. Own and improve contract lifecycle processes to support increasing deal volume and business growth. Support fundraising initiatives, strategic transactions, and potential M&A activity. Manage corporate governance matters, including board processes and cap table oversight, in coordination with finance and external counsel. Oversee intellectual property strategy, including trademarks, patents, and ownership protections. Provide practical, business-focused guidance on compliance and legal risk across the organization. Manage and optimize relationships with external counsel while operating independently across a wide range of legal matters.This is a rare opportunity to step into a true “build” role and define what legal looks like at a fast-moving AI company.