Senior Counsel - Employment

Overview

This role is for a Senior Counsel specializing in Employment Law with extensive experience and expertise gained through years of client work. The position involves assisting startups and high-growth companies with employment law matters, executive compensation, and equity plans. Additionally, the role includes developing institutional infrastructure such as templates, precedent libraries, and training attorneys to share knowledge and improve overall team capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on federal and state employment compliance, hiring and onboarding processes, employment agreements, employee confidentiality and intellectual property agreements, restrictive covenants, workplace investigations, and HR counseling.
• Design and manage executive compensation and equity incentive plans, including stock options, RSUs, restricted stock, ISO and NSO grant agreements, option exercise documents, board and stockholder consents, executive and founder employment agreements, and severance agreements and negotiations.
• Counsel startups on founder and early-team agreements, independent contractor versus employee classification, contractor agreements, FLSA and state wage and hour compliance, multi-state and remote workforce compliance, employee handbook and HR policy development, and immigration support.
• Develop templates and precedent libraries to streamline legal processes.
• Train and mentor attorneys across various experience levels.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing; relevant specialty certifications are a plus.
• 5-8 years of focused experience in employment law and executive compensation, including equity plan design and administration.
• Proven track record from top-tier law firms, leading in-house roles, or regulatory agency experience.
• Strong enthusiasm for teaching and sharing knowledge.
• Ability to work effectively with attorneys at all experience levels.
• Clear and confident communication skills, capable of translating complex employment and compensation issues into practical guidance for clients without HR backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with startups and high-growth companies.
• Familiarity with AI-native legal workflows and technology-driven legal service delivery.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $180,000 to $240,000 per year.

Location

• Remote work option available.
• Planned offices in San Francisco and New York for those who prefer in-person work.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and is an equal opportunity employer.