Founding Partner, Lawyer

Overview

This role is for a lawyer to help build an AI-native law firm in California, structured to meet California requirements and to work as it should.

The organization is already operating in Switzerland using the infrastructure described below. Expansion to California is planned, and the US practice does not yet exist.

Responsibilities

• Own and operate the law firm: maintain responsibility for your license, entity, clients, and professional judgment.
• Co-found and help incorporate the Management Services Organization (MSO) as a founder.
• Build and launch the MSO functions that support the firm’s practice of law, including:
  • AI systems the firm runs on
  • Engineering and operations
  • Finance, marketing, administration
  • Recruiting
• Operate under an arm’s-length services agreement: the MSO serves the firm and takes a services fee for its work.
• Drive client relationships and business development by leveraging a book of business and relationships with GCs, partners, founders, and alumni to generate engagements.

Requirements

• Admitted in California and in good standing.
• Senior enough that clients hire you rather than the letterhead behind you.
• Experience with originating business (a book of business) and the ability to turn relationships into engagements.
• Comfort with founder-level ownership and building early, without relying on established brand, precedent, or extensive support staffing on day one.
• Strong command of legal ethics, including:
  • independence of judgement
  • fee-sharing
  • confidentiality
  • unauthorised practice
• Tech-curious mindset toward AI in law.
• Entrepreneurial motivation: has considered leaving practice to start a firm, but did not want to spend three years building a back office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building or advising on MSO, ABS, or other alternative legal service structures.
• Prior ownership of a P&L or a practice group.
• Litigation experience alongside advisory work.
• A second language.

Compensation & Benefits

• Founder equity and ownership focus rather than a salary-only role.
• Founder equity in the MSO, plus the economics of the law firm you own.
• The MSO charges a services fee under an arm’s-length services agreement.

Location

• California (admitted in California and in good standing required).