Startup In-House Counsel — ADR & Contracts

Socket.dev; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare and dental

401(k) plan

Generous PTO

Free lunch & dinner

Annual company-paid retreats

Professional development support

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking its first In-House Counsel in San Francisco to own legal matters across the company, with a focus on arbitration and ADR. This hands-on role partners with founders and operations to manage risk and build the legal function from the ground up.

You will advise on commercial contracts, regulatory and compliance matters in payments, manage outside counsel, and help shape the company's governance as it scales.

Qualifications

• JD and active admission to the California Bar.
• 3–8 years of attorney experience including litigation.
• Hands-on arbitration/ADR experience.
• Experience with payments, collections or related financial matters.
• Knowledge of Delaware corporate law.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-moving startup.

Responsibilities

• Advise as in-house counsel on recurring legal needs.
• Resolve business disputes and provide practical guidance.
• Manage arbitration and ADR processes from intake to resolution.
• Evaluate litigation risk and advise on best course of action.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts with vendors/partners/customers.
• Advise leadership on regulatory/compliance matters in payments.
• Manage outside counsel and support corporate governance.

Skills

Litigation experience

Decision making

Negotiation

Contract drafting

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

California Bar admission

Job description

Socket.dev is seeking its first In-House Counsel in San Francisco to own legal matters across the company, with a focus on arbitration and ADR. This hands-on role partners with founders and operations to manage risk and build the legal function from the ground up.

You will advise on commercial contracts, regulatory and compliance matters in payments, manage outside counsel, and help shape the company's governance as it scales.