Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Technology Unicorn – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a trailblazing, pre-IPO technology unicorn that is fundamentally reshaping its industry. Located in the vibrant heart of San Francisco, CA, our client has achieved massive scale, secured significant funding, and is poised for its next phase of explosive growth, including a potential initial public offering (IPO). We are conducting an executive search for a visionary and business-minded Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a career-defining opportunity to build and lead the legal function of a future household name.
The Chief Legal Officer will serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the senior management team. This individual will be a true strategic partner, providing insightful counsel on all legal and business matters, and playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory. You will be responsible for building and scaling a world-class legal department, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and mitigating risk while enabling aggressive business growth. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal executive with a proven track record in a high-growth technology environment, possessing deep expertise in corporate governance, M&A, intellectual property, and global compliance. This role demands not just legal acumen, but exceptional business judgment, strategic foresight, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced culture.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Technology Unicorn – San Francisco, CA
The CLO will have a broad and impactful remit, overseeing all legal affairs of the company globally. Key responsibilities include:
Executive Leadership & Strategic Counsel
Serve as a key member of the executive team, providing proactive and strategic legal guidance on critical business issues. Advise the CEO and Board on corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and overall risk management strategies to ensure sustainable growth.
Corporate Governance and Securities
Manage all corporate governance matters, including Board and committee meetings, minutes, and corporate records. Lead the company’s legal preparations for a potential IPO and ensure ongoing compliance with SEC regulations and public company reporting requirements post-offering.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Transactions
Spearhead the legal strategy and execution for all M&A activities, strategic partnerships, and significant corporate transactions. This includes leading due diligence, structuring and negotiating complex agreements, and managing post-transaction integration.
Commercial and Product Counseling
Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of commercial agreements, including complex customer contracts, SaaS agreements, vendor contracts, and strategic partnership deals. Provide guidance to product and engineering teams on legal issues related to new product development and feature launches.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Develop and execute a comprehensive global IP strategy to protect the company’s valuable technology and brand. Manage the patent, trademark, and copyright portfolios, and handle any related disputes or enforcement actions.
Regulatory Compliance and Data Privacy
Ensure the company’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where it operates. Develop and maintain robust compliance programs, particularly in areas of data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), cybersecurity, and industry-specific regulations. You will be expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, adhering to the principles set forth by the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Manage and oversee all litigation, pre-litigation disputes, and government inquiries. Select and manage outside counsel effectively to achieve optimal outcomes while controlling costs.
Employment Law
Partner with the Human Resources department to provide counsel on a full range of employment law issues, including recruiting, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management, and internal investigations.
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing global legal team. Foster a collaborative, business-oriented culture within the legal department that is seen as a strategic partner across the organization. Manage the legal department’s budget and external counsel relationships.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Technology Unicorn – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with the following qualifications:
Education and Bar Admission
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar, with a preference for admission to the California Bar.
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive legal experience, including a combination of training at a nationally recognized law firm and significant in-house leadership experience.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience within the technology sector is mandatory. Prior experience as a General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel at a high-growth, venture-backed technology company is strongly preferred.
Public Company / IPO Experience
Demonstrable experience leading a company through the IPO process and/or serving as a senior legal executive at a publicly traded technology company is a critical requirement.
Substantive Expertise
Broad expertise across corporate law and governance, securities law, M&A, intellectual property, data privacy, and complex commercial transactions.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to build, scale, and manage a legal department. A track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top legal talent. A ‘player-coach’ mentality is essential.
Business Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to think strategically and provide practical, solution-oriented advice. Must be able to balance legal risk with business objectives effectively.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills. The ability to build trust and strong relationships with executives, board members, employees, and external partners.
Integrity and Professionalism
Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and judgment. A calm and confident demeanor, capable of thriving in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. The package includes:
Competitive Compensation
A top-tier base salary, annual performance bonus, and a significant equity grant (stock options or RSUs) with substantial upside potential.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with the majority of premiums covered by the company. Access to mental health resources and wellness programs.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, along with company-paid holidays, to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
Family Support
Comprehensive paid parental leave for all new parents.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing legal education (CLE), professional memberships, conferences, and other development opportunities.
Onsite & Remote Perks
Beautiful office space in San Francisco with catered lunches, snacks, and beverages. Commuter benefits and a flexible approach to hybrid work.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative legal leader ready to make a significant impact on a category-defining technology company, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
For more information or to explore other executive opportunities, please visit our Legal Executive Search practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you.
