Associate Counsel

Rhino • New York, NY

71d • $140,000 - $185,000 • Remote

About The Position

Our growing legal team is looking for a sharp, business-minded Associate Counsel to help build and run a best-in-class contracts and corporate governance function. This is a high-impact, individual-contributor role for an early-career attorney who enjoys owning process, working across the business, and learning from experienced counsel. Reporting to the General Counsel, you'll partner with teams across the company to keep agreements clear, records clean, and legal support fast and practical. You will have deep expertise in commercial contracting and governance while gaining exposure to matters involving insurance, the rental industry, and consumer relations.

Requirements

• J.D. and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar. Admission in any U.S. jurisdiction will be considered, with strong academic credentials.
• Roughly 2 to 3 years of legal experience spanning corporate governance and entity management, contract drafting and management, and exposure to the debt collection or broader consumer financial services industry.
• Experience in a regulated environment such as insurance, finance, or healthcare, ideally at a venture-backed, high-growth company.
• Exposure to regulatory issues, particularly data privacy, insurance, or finance.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills across a range of commercial agreements.
• Experience building or maintaining contract templates, playbooks, or an organized contract management process.
• Working familiarity with consumer debt collection regulations, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Regulation F, and a practical approach to applying them.
• A strong generalist mindset paired with the curiosity and willingness to learn quickly in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure, work independently, and manage multiple time-sensitive assignments at once.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage many matters at once and keep them moving.
• Clear, direct communication that builds trust with business partners.

Nice To Haves

• In-house experience at a company in financial services, collections, housing, or a related regulated industry.
• Experience managing entities and governance across multiple states.
• Exposure to the multifamily, property management, or rental housing sectors.
• Enthusiasm for growing into broader commercial, governance, or regulatory responsibilities over time.
• Experience at a startup or technology company.

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve the contract lifecycle: intake, drafting, review, negotiation of everyday terms, execution, and tracking of obligations and renewals.
• Draft and maintain clear, reusable templates, playbooks, and standard positions that help the business move quickly and confidently.
• Support commercial, vendor, and service agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and data protection terms.
• Maintain corporate records and entity governance across the organization, including resolutions, consents, registered agents, and annual and good-standing filings.
• Help administer corporate policies, signing authorities, and governance processes that keep the company organized and audit ready.
• Proactively identify gaps or weaknesses in governance practices, recommend improvements, and support a responsive framework for strategic risk and mitigation.
• Partner with our Compliance team to monitor and advise on the laws and regulations that apply to our insurance and financial products, including data privacy requirements.
• Help respond to regulatory exams and inquiries, and help develop and improve policies and procedures as the company grows.
• Advise Product teams as they build innovative new products and implement technology-driven solutions.
• Review internal and external marketing and product materials for accuracy and legal sufficiency.
• Provide practical, business-minded legal support to teams operating in consumer financial services and the debt collection industry.
• Help translate regulatory requirements into clear contract terms, processes, and guidance that teams can actually use.
• Keep disputes organized and on track through matter tracking, litigation holds, and document coordination, working alongside outside counsel.
• Work closely with, and learn from, the General Counsel and colleagues across compliance, operations, and the business.
• Be an approachable, trusted partner who makes it easy for teams to do the right thing, including through simple training and guidance.

Benefits

• Competitive cash compensation package including base salary, milestone based bonus, and other financial perks
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (up to 90% employer contribution) - eligible from your start date
• 401(k), HSA, Life & Disability Insurance Coverage ($0 employee contribution for additional insurances)
• Unlimited PTO Policy
• Generous Paid Parental Leave
• Stock option plan to give our employees a direct stake in R + J’s success
• Monthly lifestyle stipend to fit your needs (meals, wellness, co-working)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree