General Counsel - Elite VC Firm
Our client is a leading VC firm, focused on backing the most innovative startups and transformative companies across a variety of sectors including technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and more. They are seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-driven General Counsel to join our executive team and oversee all legal and regulatory affairs for the firm.
This is a unique opportunity to serve as a key advisor to our partners, portfolio companies, and internal teams, playing an instrumental role in shaping the legal and operational strategy of one of the most influential venture capital firms in the world.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide proactive, practical, and strategic legal advice to senior management, investment teams, and portfolio companies on a wide range of issues including investments, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, securities law, regulatory compliance, and employment matters.
- Partner with the executive leadership team to align legal practices with the firm's broader business objectives.
- Lead the legal structuring, negotiation, and execution of venture capital investments, acquisitions, joint ventures, and exits.
- Manage due diligence processes and negotiate term sheets, investment agreements, and shareholder agreements.
- Provide expert legal analysis and risk mitigation strategies related to complex financial and investment structures.
- Oversee the legal aspects of corporate governance, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and international regulations impacting venture capital activities, fund management, and portfolio company operations.
- Develop and implement strategies to mitigate legal and business risks, protecting the firm against emerging threats, litigation, and regulatory changes.
- Act as a trusted advisor to portfolio companies on legal matters including corporate structuring, intellectual property, employee agreements, and commercial contracts.
- Provide legal guidance on key strategic initiatives and negotiations for portfolio companies, supporting their growth and scaling efforts.
- Manage relationships with external law firms, regulatory agencies, and legal service providers.
- Represent the firm in high-profile legal matters, including litigation, regulatory inquiries, and other significant legal disputes.
- Build and lead the firm's internal legal team, developing legal capabilities to support the firm's growth.
- Foster a culture of compliance and legal awareness across the organization.
Qualifications:
- J.D. from a top-tier law school with membership in the State Bar of California or eligibility for California licensure.
- 10+ years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior legal leadership role at a top-tier law firm or in-house at a prominent venture capital firm or technology company.
- Deep experience in venture capital, private equity, M&A, corporate governance, intellectual property, and securities law.
- Proven track record of leading complex investment transactions and legal matters in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Exceptional legal acumen with the ability to think strategically and provide actionable advice to senior leadership and portfolio companies.
- Strong negotiation, drafting, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal issues for non-legal stakeholders.
- Expertise in managing cross-functional teams and balancing competing priorities in a fast-moving environment.
- High ethical standards, integrity, and an ability to manage sensitive legal and business issues with discretion.
