Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Venture-Backed Startup – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a disruptive, high-growth, venture-backed technology startup in the heart of Boston’s innovation hub. Our client is on a mission to redefine their industry with a cutting-edge platform that has already achieved significant market traction and secured substantial Series C funding from top-tier venture capital firms. As they enter a pivotal phase of accelerated scaling, global expansion, and potential M&A activity, they are seeking to hire their first Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and build a world-class legal function from the ground up.
The Chief Legal Officer will be more than just an attorney; they will be a strategic business partner to the CEO, the board of directors, and the entire leadership team. This individual will be instrumental in navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscapes of a rapidly scaling global business. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with a strong foundation in corporate law, a pragmatic, business-oriented mindset, and demonstrable experience guiding technology companies through periods of intense growth, from venture financing to a potential future exit (IPO or strategic acquisition). You will be responsible for the company’s entire legal-risk profile, providing critical counsel on matters ranging from corporate governance and intellectual property to commercial contracts and data privacy. This executive will serve as the company’s corporate secretary and will be a key voice in all strategic decisions, ensuring the company’s continued success and integrity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Venture-Backed Startup – Boston, MA
The Chief Legal Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing all legal affairs of the company. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Legal Counsel
Act as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. Provide proactive, business-focused advice to facilitate strategic initiatives and mitigate risk.
Corporate Governance and Securities
Manage all corporate governance matters, including board and committee meeting preparation, minutes, and corporate records. Ensure compliance with all applicable corporate and securities laws. Oversee cap table management and stock administration in partnership with the CFO. This includes a deep understanding of corporate governance and securities law to prepare the company for future financing rounds and a potential public offering.
Venture Financing and M&A
Lead the legal execution of all corporate transactions, including venture capital financings, debt facilities, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Manage due diligence processes and negotiate key transaction documents.
Commercial and Transactional Leadership
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of complex commercial agreements, including SaaS subscription agreements, strategic partnership and channel agreements, master services agreements, vendor contracts, and non-disclosure agreements. Develop and implement scalable contracting processes and standard templates.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Develop and execute a comprehensive global intellectual property strategy to protect the company’s innovations. Manage the company’s patent, trademark, and copyright portfolio, and handle any IP-related disputes or licensing opportunities.
Regulatory Compliance and Privacy
Build and maintain a robust compliance program, ensuring the company adheres to all relevant domestic and international laws and regulations. Proactively monitor the evolving regulatory landscape, with a specific focus on data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and industry-specific regulations.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Manage and strategize on all disputes and litigation matters, including commercial, employment, and IP-related issues. Effectively manage outside counsel to achieve optimal outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
Employment Law and Equity
Partner with the People & Culture department to provide guidance on employment law matters, including recruiting, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and terminations. Oversee the legal aspects of equity compensation plans.
Product and Marketing Counsel
Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and marketing teams to advise on legal issues related to product development, feature launches, and marketing campaigns, ensuring compliance with consumer protection and advertising laws.
Legal Department Leadership
Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing legal team (internal and external resources) as the company scales. Develop and manage the legal department’s budget and operations.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Venture-Backed Startup – Boston, MA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education and Bar Admission
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) 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 the Massachusetts Bar.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of relevant legal experience, with a combination of training at a nationally recognized law firm and significant in-house experience at a venture-backed technology company.
Venture and Growth-Stage Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience advising high-growth technology companies is essential. Must have served as lead counsel on multiple venture capital financing rounds. Experience guiding a company through an IPO or a significant M&A transaction is highly preferred.
Broad Legal Acumen
Expertise across a wide range of legal disciplines relevant to a tech startup, including corporate law, securities, commercial contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, and employment law.
Business-Oriented Mindset
A demonstrated ability to think strategically and provide pragmatic, solution-oriented legal advice that balances business objectives with legal risk. You must be comfortable with ambiguity and making decisions with imperfect information.
Exceptional Communication Skills
The ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, from engineers to board members. Superior negotiation and drafting skills are required.
Leadership and Integrity
Proven experience building and leading legal teams. Must possess unquestionable integrity, strong ethical principles, and the ability to inspire trust and confidence across the organization.
Location
Ability to work in a hybrid model based in the Boston, MA metropolitan area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Salary
A compelling base salary commensurate with C-level experience.
Significant Equity
A substantial equity grant (stock options) providing a meaningful ownership stake in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Flexible Time Off
A progressive unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy and company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
An annual stipend for continuing legal education (CLE), conferences, and other professional growth opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
A hybrid work environment that combines in-office collaboration in Boston with remote flexibility.
Additional Perks
Wellness stipend, commuter benefits, parental leave, and a vibrant, inclusive company culture with regular team events.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary legal leader ready to make a significant impact at a category-defining startup, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is leading this exclusive search. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected class.
