General Counsel
On-site · San Francisco, California, United States
Job Summary
First GC hire to build Emergent's legal function. Lead negotiation and execution of enterprise customer agreements, advise on evolving AI regulations and global legal frameworks, support fundraising, board governance, and international expansion, manage outside counsel, develop and implement IP strategy (copyright, licensing, open-source, trademarks, patents), advise on employment, compensation, equity, and organizational matters, establish internal legal processes and determine when to use outside counsel, and recruit future legal team members. Responsibilities span enterprise agreements, regulatory compliance, product launches, governance, M&A, and strategic transactions; requires JD and bar admission, substantial in-house and/or top-firm experience, and strong communication with founders and executives.
Required Qualifications
- J.D. degree and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar
- 8 to 15 years of legal experience
- Combination of top-tier law firm and in-house experience
- Experience supporting high-growth technology companies
- Significant experience negotiating commercial and enterprise agreements
- Strong business judgment and the ability to balance risk with speed
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
- Preferred: Experience at a high-growth AI, SaaS, developer tools, infrastructure, or enterprise software company
- Preferred: Experience as an early or first legal hire
- Preferred: Familiarity with AI, intellectual property, data privacy, and technology transactions
- Preferred: Experience supporting fundraising, board governance, and international expansion
- Preferred: Experience working directly with founders and executive teams
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