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 #J-18808-Ljbffr