[Hiring] Attorney @Shepherd

Role Description

We're seeking our second attorney to join our founding team. This isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to help build and shape the future of legal services from the ground up. You’ll work directly with our founding attorney, collaborate on strategic decisions, and play a critical role in defining how we serve our clients and scale the practice. As an early member of the team, you’ll have meaningful ownership over both client outcomes and the systems, workflows, and standards that power the firm. This is a rare opportunity to combine high-quality legal work with building a modern, AI-native legal platform designed specifically for startups.

What You'll Do

• Advise startups and growth companies on corporate law matters, including entity formation, governance, and compliance
• Structure and negotiate venture capital financings, SAFEs, convertible notes, and other funding instruments
• Develop and implement IP strategies to protect client innovations
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, employment contracts, and vendor agreements
• Ensure corporate compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Collaborate on building efficient, AI-enhanced legal workflows
• Help shape firm culture, processes, and client service standards
• Contribute to thought leadership and business development efforts

Qualifications

• Active Arizona Bar membership in good standing
• 8+ years of corporate law experience
• Proven track record advising startups and leading venture financings
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and compliance
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Tech-savvy and comfortable working with AI-powered tools

Requirements

• Experience with IP strategy and protection & Fundraising (Preferred)
• Prior in-house experience at a startup or growth-stage company (Preferred)
• Familiarity with AI and legal technology platforms (Preferred)

Essential Qualities

• Entrepreneurial mindset - You thrive in ambiguity and enjoy building from zero
• Collaborative spirit - You believe great outcomes come from tight partnership
• Client-focused - You care deeply about helping founders succeed
• Change-maker - You’re motivated to rethink and improve how legal services are delivered
• Adaptable - You’re comfortable with rapid iteration and evolving systems

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $145,000 – $160,000 base salary
• Meaningful equity: Early-stage ownership with significant upside
• Full autonomy: Remote work with flexible scheduling
• Direct impact: Shape the firm’s direction, culture, and service model
• Cutting-edge tools: Work with AI-powered legal technology from day one
• Professional growth: Build your practice while helping build the firm
• Mission-driven work: Help democratize access to high-quality legal services for startups

Our Core Values

• Be Bold & Take Intelligent Risks
• Demand Excellence
• Execute Relentlessly
• Earn Trust Through Action
• Be a Good Person

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.