Startup Legal Counsel

About the role

Hashing AI is at an early stage where most legal work gets done ad hoc, often too late. We need a legal resource who understands what a small AI services company actually needs: solid client contracts, clear IP ownership provisions, basic corporate hygiene, and someone who can give us fast, practical answers without charging for a 40-page memo. This is not a full-time role right now. We are looking for someone who can work with us on a part-time or retainer basis, take on discrete projects as needed, and grow with us as the legal workload increases. The ideal person has worked with early-stage tech companies before and understands the difference between what is legally required and what is overkill for a company our size.

What you'll do

• Draft, review, and negotiate client service agreements, statements of work, and NDAs to make sure we are protected on every engagement.
• Establish clear IP ownership provisions in all client contracts so there is no ambiguity about who owns what we build.
• Advise on data privacy and AI-related compliance questions, including how we handle client data, call recordings, and PII in our systems.
• Maintain basic corporate hygiene: ensure filings are current, ownership records are accurate, and the company structure is clean.
• Be available for fast turnaround on practical legal questions as they come up in the normal course of business.
• Advise on employment and contractor agreements as the team grows.

What we're looking for

• Licensed to practice law in California or a US jurisdiction with relevant experience.
• Experience working with technology companies, software services firms, or AI startups.
• You give practical, actionable advice rather than comprehensive risk catalogues.
• You are comfortable working independently on a flexible schedule.

Nice to have

• –Familiarity with AI-specific legal considerations: data use agreements, model output liability, voice recording consent laws.
• –Experience with B2B SaaS or services contracts.
• –Prior experience as in-house counsel or as a startup advisor rather than only big-firm work.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate or monthly retainer, negotiated based on scope and availability.
• The opportunity to grow into a more substantial role as the company and legal workload scales.
• A lean, fast-moving team that respects your time and does not generate unnecessary legal work.