Serve as the companys first in-house counsel handling litigation and ADR, resolve business disputes, draft and negotiate commercial contracts, advise on payments-related regulatory and compliance matters, manage outside counsel, and build legal processes and corporate governance.
About the Role: Pump is seeking our first In-House Counsel to own legal matters across the company, with a particular focus on alternative dispute resolution. This is a hands-on role for someone with a litigation background who is excited to apply their skills in a startup environment in San Francisco. You’ll work closely with our founders and operations team to manage risk, resolve disputes efficiently, and build the legal function from the ground up.
Responsibilities:
- Act as in-house counsel for a fast-growing startup advising on recurring legal needs
- Manage and resolve business disputes and provide practical business guidance
- Handle arbitration proceedings and other ADR processes from intake through resolution
- Evaluate litigation risk and make sound judgments on the best course of action on a case-by-case basis
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and agreements for vendors, partners, and customers
- Advise leadership on regulatory and compliance matters relevant to payment
- Manage outside counsel relationships and support corporate governance measures
Required Qualifications:
- JD and active admission to the California Bar
- 3-8 years of experience as a practicing attorney
- Prior litigation experience, either outside or in-house, including hands-on work on arbitration and other ADR proceedings
- Direct experience with dispute resolution involving payments, collections, or related financial matters
- Working knowledge of Delaware corporate law
- Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
- Comfort operating independently and in-person in a fast-moving startup environment
Nice-to-Haves:
- In-house experience at an early-stage startup
- Prior experience building legal processes from start to finish
Benefits:
- Comprehensive healthcare and dental coverage for you
- 401(k) plan
- Generous PTO: 13 accrued days, plus company shutdown December 24—January 1st
- Free lunch & dinner at the office
- Annual company-paid retreats
- Developmental bonuses: support for professional development opportunities tied to cloud and related fields
Compensation is commensurate with experience. In addition to base salary, this position includes equity.
Compensation
$150,000—$200,000 USD
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