Legal & Compliance Counsel Russian-English Speaker

Whizz; Los Angeles (CA); Remote; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Whizz is seeking a Legal & Compliance Counsel to lead its legal function in a fast-growing e-bike subscription startup. This position focuses on ensuring compliance as the company expands into new markets, drafting contracts, and navigating legal complexities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a senior legal role, particularly within startups, and will play a vital part in safeguarding legal stability as Whizz continues to innovate in the gig economy.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Remote work flexibility

Opportunity to build and lead legal function

Collaborative and innovative work environment

Coverage of WeWork coworking space

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior legal role in a startup or high-growth company.
• Strong project management skills and ability to analyze legal matters independently.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review contracts with contractors, landlords, suppliers, and partners.
• Support geographic expansion ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Navigate complex legal processes involving city officials or clients.

Skills

Project Management

Legal Analysis

Research Skills

Communication

Job description

Job Title: Legal & Compliance Counsel

Location: Remote

Job Type: Full-time

Company Overview

Whizz is an innovative e-bike subscription service catering to delivery drivers in the US. We partner with leading companies like DoorDash and Grubhub, offering affordable $169/month rental subscriptions to independent delivery workers. In just three years, Whizz has grown rapidly, managing a fleet of 4,000 e-bikes across the US, achieving a remarkable 100% year-over-year growth rate. Our mission is to serve an underserved audience of gig workers, aiming to manage the largest electric two-wheeler fleet in the US. Our dynamic team of 150 people is expanding quickly.

Mission of the Role

As Head of Legal at Whizz, you'll be setting up and leading our legal function from the ground up. You'll play a key role in helping us grow responsibly by making sure we stay compliant, minimize legal risks, and have the right contracts and protections in place as we scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and review contracts with contractors, landlords, suppliers, and partners — making sure everything is legally solid and aligned with our goals.
• Support our geographic expansion into new states and (in the future) countries. You’ll ensure we’re compliant with local regulations and help us open new offices — for example, in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Toronto.
• Provide legal support for new product launches across different regions — such as moped rentals in new states or rolling out a network of charging stations for bikes and batteries.
• Navigate legal processes and complex, high-stakes cases involving city officials, employees, partners, or customers. Think things like regulatory cases with the NYC Department of Transportation or Fire Department, or even litigation involving staff or clients.
• Keep all company legal documents and communications accurate, up to date, and in line with relevant laws.
• Stay ahead of legal developments, spot compliance risks early, and help us avoid penalties and violations.
• Advise leadership on legal matters, do research, and turn complex legal questions into practical advice.
• Work with external counsel as needed and handle legal disputes, escalations, and communications with public authorities such as the police, DMV, and licensing or regulatory agencies.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior legal role in startup or high-growth company with strong project management skills.
• Strong ability to independently analyze legal matters, conduct thorough research on applicable laws, and deliver clear, practical advice — even in unfamiliar legal areas.
• A proactive and resourceful mindset — you’re not afraid to pick up the phone, chase down answers, push for clarity, or escalate when needed. You know how to get things done.
• Excellent skills in locating, analyzing, and interpreting legal and regulatory materials — both through public databases and via direct communication with regulatory bodies.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Remote work flexibility.
• Opportunity to build and lead the legal function of a fast-growing startup.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Coverage of WeWork coworking space.

Join Whizz and play a critical role in ensuring legal stability while helping to revolutionize the e-bike/e-moped subscription industry and empower gig workers across the US.