Serve as the startup’s first in-house counsel, managing disputes, arbitration, litigation risk, commercial contracts, payment-related regulatory matters, outside counsel, and corporate governance. The role requires practical legal guidance, strong contract negotiation, California Bar admission, litigation and alternative dispute resolution experience, payment-related dispute expertise, and knowledge of Delaware corporate law.
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
- Competitive compensation + equity
- Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
- 401(k) plan
- Generous paid time off, including 13 days of accrued PTO, 9 sick days, all 11 federal holidays, and a company-wide winter break from December 24 through January 1
- Free lunch at the office
- Free access to the building gym
- Annual company-paid retreats
- Developmental bonuses: support for professional development tied to cloud and related fields
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