Chief Legal Officer

Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Head of Legal to oversee the company’s legal affairs and serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors. This role will provide strategic and hands-on legal guidance across corporate governance, commercial contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, risk management, cybersecurity, international operations, and strategic transactions.The ideal candidate will have substantial experience supporting technology companies and be comfortable operating as a hands-on player-coach in a fast-paced, evolving environment.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors.Manage corporate governance, board, and stockholder matters.Lead negotiations and management of commercial, licensing, vendor, and strategic partnership agreements.Oversee IP strategy and portfolio management, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.Develop and implement legal and regulatory compliance programs.Advise on export controls, data protection, employment law, product compliance, and other regulatory requirements.Manage cybersecurity-related legal and compliance controls.Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and business risks.Support and structure financings, M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, and other corporate transactions.Provide legal and operational oversight of international subsidiaries and branch offices.Oversee local entity governance, statutory filings, labor relations, facilities, vendors, and compliance matters.Support international export-control, trade-compliance, cybersecurity, and physical-security requirements.Partner cross-functionally with business, finance, HR, engineering, security, and executive leadership.Provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance while balancing risk and commercial objectives.QualificationsExtensive experience representing technology companies.Strong background in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, risk management, and corporate law.Significant knowledge of intellectual property law and IP portfolio management.Experience overseeing international subsidiaries and cross-border legal/business affairs.Experience with corporate transactions, including financings, M&A, and strategic partnerships.Strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.Active bar membership in good standing with eligibility to practice law in California.Ability to work as a hands-on legal leader across multiple functions in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.Comfortable managing evolving priorities and providing practical solutions to complex legal and business issues.