Senior Corporate Counsel, Commercial

About the position

We are seeking a results-driven Corporate Counsel to join our dynamic team and provide expert legal guidance to support our Company’s operations and strategic goals. As our first in-house legal counsel, this role will be on the frontline of our commercialization efforts and a critical part of scaling from a Series C to Series D company, across compliance, risk mitigation, and capital strategy. This role is pivotal in providing expert legal advice to senior management and other stakeholders, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, supporting strategic initiatives, and managing legal risks. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, is a dedicated team player with excellent business partnering skills, brings a positive, solution-oriented attitude with a strong desire to learn and grow, stays updated on legal developments and proactively addresses potential legal issues. As Corporate Counsel, the candidate will play a critical role in shaping the legal framework of our Company, ensuring that all initiatives are conducted within the boundaries of the law while protecting the Company's interests.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to senior management and business units on a wide range of issues, ensuring our business operations remain compliant and risk-averse.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts (e.g. Master Services Agreements, Food Distributor Agreements, Vendor Agreements, Advisory Agreements, and NDAs), and other legal documents, and direct support of complex global deals requiring innovative, deep contracting skills.
• Strategize with Company executives prior to client negotiations.
• Represent Company's interests and interface directly with client counsel and business teams.
• Create and implement a global risk and compliance framework, managing a network of external professionals (financiers, consultants, advisors, attorneys).
• Assist in our Company’s ongoing capital formation strategy and help drive equity, debt, grant and other fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with our external IP lawyers on IP documentation and strategy.
• Advice on employee relations and support on employment law compliance.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry laws and regulations, advising on potential impact, implementing necessary changes into Company’s transactional practices.
• Prepare and periodically update corporate governance and related policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school or equivalent legal qualification.
• Must be a member in good standing of a U.S. bar association.
• 5 -10+ years of relevant experience in corporate or commercial law.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, corporate law, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Experience in handling complex commercial matters and providing strategic advice.
• Demonstrated leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities and take initiatives on new opportunities.
• Strong background in regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to explain legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Experience working cross-culturally.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior experience in the food and beverage industry.
• Financial background.
• Experience with equity rounds and debt financing.
• Experience working with Series C+ startups.

Benefits

• The base salary range is $160,000 - $180,000/annually, plus stock options.
• Fully company-paid Medical and 99% company-paid Dental and Vision Insurance.
• 15 days Paid Time Off, 7 sick days, 14 holidays, Wellness Benefits, Cell Phone and Internet reimbursement, 401K.
• Beautiful new SF office with outdoor rooftop workspace.
• Free beverages with our Bot, snacks, and Wednesday lunches.