Legal Counselor

We are an early-stage company preparing for launch this year. The business is currently pre-revenue and operating without outside funding. Our first strategic partnership has been confirmed and is now moving through launch preparation and execution.

At this stage, the company is building its legal, operational, and governance foundation ahead of initial revenue and a first institutional or strategic raise. This is an early environment where discretion, sound judgment, and practical legal guidance matter more than bureaucracy.

About the Role
We are seeking experienced Legal Counsel to support the company from pre-launch through initial funding and early growth. This role will act as a trusted legal advisor to the Founder, CEO & supporting matters including:

Corporate governance and entity structuring

Strategic partnerships and commercial agreements

Intellectual property and data considerations

Employment and contractor matters

Fundraising and investor-readiness

This is not a full-time in-house role at this stage. We are seeking a fractional, contract, or retainer-based legal counsel with meaningful experience advising early-stage companies.

Compensation Transparency
The company currently has no revenue and no working capital. There is no upfront cash retainer available at this time. Compensation is expected to be structured creatively and transparently, potentially including deferred fees, a limited retainer once capital is secured, and/or a modest equity component, aligned with company needs and funding milestones.

This role is best suited for counsel who are comfortable advising early-stage companies during the gap between formation, first partnerships, and initial funding.

Key Responsibilities
Corporate & Governance

Advise on company formation, governance, and corporate structure

Support founder agreements, equity matters, and cap table readiness

Ensure foundational legal compliance appropriate for an early-stage company

Partnerships & Commercial Agreements

Draft, review, and negotiate partnership agreements

Support execution of the company’s initial strategic partnership

Advise on risk, obligations, and long-term implications of agreements

Intellectual Property & Confidentiality

Ensure proper IP ownership, assignment, and protection

Draft and review NDAs and confidentiality agreements

Employment & Contractor Matters

Draft and review employment and independent contractor agreements

Advise on classification, compliance, and early hiring practices

Advise on investor readiness and legal preparation for funding

Review or support SAFEs, term sheets, and related documents as needed

Qualifications
Required

Licensed attorney in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

Demonstrated experience advising early-stage startups from pre-launch or formation through fundraising

Strong background in corporate, commercial, or startup law

Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance

High standards of discretion and professionalism

Preferred

Experience working with founder-led companies

Experience advising on early partnerships and go-to-market agreements

Familiarity with startup fundraising structures and investor expectations

Engagement Structure

Flexible engagement model (fractional, contract, or retainer-based)

Ability to respond to time-sensitive matters during launch and partnership execution

Compensation and scope to be determined based on experience and engagement structure

Confidentiality & Trust
This role will involve access to sensitive, pre-launch company information, strategic plans, and partnership details. Absolute discretion and adherence to confidentiality requirements are mandatory.

How to Express Interest
Please provide:

A brief overview of your experience advising early-stage startups

Your preferred engagement model (fractional, retainer, or contract)

Availability and typical fee structure

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