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.

Long-term opportunity

Hashing AI is an early-stage company, and role scope, compensation, and responsibilities may evolve as our client base, revenue, and operating capacity grow. Strong contributors may have opportunities for expanded responsibility, leadership, or future incentive programs. Any changes would depend on performance, business needs, financing, and separate written agreements.

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.

Compensation

• 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.