Corporate Counsel

Join us as we deploy our ai-native, end-to-end vehicle commerce platform across the entire industry. Proven scale: Tens of millions in vehicle revenue processed for 20+ leading brands and dealerships to date. Trusted by all tiers: From publicly traded OEMs with billions in annual GMV to fast-growing newcomers and a broad dealer network. Backed to win: $17.2M raised from Activant Capital, JPMorgan, Winnebago, Y Combinator, the Tesla alumni fund, large dealership groups, and other strategic investors. Position Overview Ekho is operating at the intersection of automotive retail, fintech, and technology — and the regulatory landscape we navigate is complex, fast-moving, and highly consequential. As we expand into new states, add licensure, and build out F& I and ancillary products, we need sharp, experienced in-house legal coverage to keep us ahead of the curve. You’ll work directly with our CEO and leadership team to identify and address legal issues proactively. This includes flagging compliance risks before they become problems, owning our licensing strategy, and coordinating with DMV regulators and other agencies. You’ll partner with our outside counsel on complex matters, but handle the day‑to‑day questions and emerging issues that come with building a high‑growth automotive tech company at scale. This is a rare opportunity to be the founding legal hire at a well‑funded, fast‑moving company and to grow the role as we do. Required Skills & Experience 5–10+ years of legal experience with a meaningful focus on automotive regulatory compliance, ideally in‑house at a large dealer group, OEM, or automotive technology company. Deep familiarity with motor vehicle dealer licensing requirements across multiple U.S. states, including DMV licensing, dealer licensing, and titling and registration workflows. Working knowledge of sales and use tax issues in automotive transactions across state lines. Experience with brokering regulations, money transmission licensing, and related compliance frameworks. Familiarity with F& I (Finance & Insurance) products and the regulatory landscape governing them. Demonstrated ability to advise in highly regulated states (California, New York, Texas, or equivalent). Comfortable representing a company in front of DMV representatives, state regulators, and other agencies. AI fluency: demonstrated experience using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Harvey, or similar) to enhance legal research, drafting, and decision‑making. Ability to operate as an “AI‑native” operator who leverages these tools for speed, accuracy, and scale. Strong written and verbal communication skills to distill complex regulatory issues into clear guidance the business can act on. J.D. from an ABA‑accredited U.S. law school and active licensure to practice law in at least one U.S. state (in good standing). Responsibilities Own Ekho's multi‑state automotive regulatory compliance strategy, including dealer licensing, DMV licensing, and related permitting across all active and target states. Advise leadership on emerging legal issues as Ekho expands into new products (F& I, insurance, ancillary services) and new geographies. Participate directly in meetings with DMV regulators, state agencies, and licensing bodies, acting as an effective advocate and credible voice for Ekho. Partner with our outside counsel on complex matters while handling day‑to‑day questions independently, reducing reliance on outside counsel for routine issues. Proactively flag compliance risks during internal brainstorming and product development. Manage and maintain Ekho's dealer licensure, ensuring requirements are met as needed. Build repeatable legal processes and playbooks as the company scales, laying the foundation for a broader legal function over time. Preferred Qualifications Background at a large multi‑state dealer group, automotive legal association, or an automotive tech company. Experience navigating DMV and dealer licensing processes in highly regulated states (California, New York, Texas, etc.) Familiarity with powersports regulations is a plus. Experience at or alongside startups, high‑growth companies, or businesses undergoing rapid geographic expansion. Located in or willing to be present in a state where Ekho holds or is pursuing a dealership license. Company Benefits Competitive compensation and meaningful equity Health, dental, and vision insurance 401k Free lunch and dinners Annual team offsite #J-18808-Ljbffr Ekho Dealer (YC S22)