Head of Legal

Who We Need

As Rillet's Head of Legal, you will be our first in-house counsel, and you will build the legal function from the ground up, and serve as the strategic business partner as the company grows & scales, both domestically and internationally. You have seen this stage before: you know what breaks between 150 and 500 people, and you know how to build ahead of it.

You’ll work closely with the leadership team, as well as cross functionally with all other teams. You’ll own the legal decisions that require judgement and speed, and you’re comfortable with ambiguity, and making decisions with incomplete information.

This is a builder role on a lean, systems-oriented team that automates aggressively. We expect the same instinct from you.

We're looking for teammates within commutable distance of our NYC or San Francisco offices (or willing to relocate). Team members work in-office Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus one additional flexible day. Certain roles may require additional in-office time based on function.

What You'll Do

• Build the legal function from the ground up — determine Rillet’s overall legal strategy, priorities, and operating model as the company scales domestically and internationally

• Advise the executive team and Board on strategic, legal, and risk considerations across the business — assessing risk and clearly articulating trade-offs so leaders can make fast, informed decisions

• Build scalable frameworks, workflows, and playbooks — including adopting AI tooling to automate contract review, research, and beyond.

• Review and negotiate commercial deals — MSAs, order forms, DPAs, SOWs, partner contracts, and more — partnering with the revenue team to structure and close deals efficiently, balancing legal protection with the speed the business needs

• Partner with Engineering, Product, and Design throughout the product development lifecycle, advising on legal and compliance considerations before they become blockers

• Guide the business on privacy, data protection, and the evolving AI regulatory landscape, translating a fast-moving legal environment into practical guidance for the team

• Stay ahead of changing legal, regulatory, and compliance guidance relevant to Rillet's business, and proactively flag emerging risks and opportunities

• Own corporate governance — equity administration, financing rounds, and Board of Directors matters — keeping the company clean and audit-ready as it scales

• Partner with the People team on employment matters, including hiring, policies, and workplace issues, providing pragmatic legal guidance that supports the business

Who We're Looking For

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

• You're an active member of a U.S. state bar and are licensed to practice law in California or New York.

• You have 10+ years of experience, operating both as in-house counsel and within top-tier law firms.

• You’ve operated in high-growth environments, and you’ve scaled businesses through the 150–500 range.

• You are a generalist; you’ll come in, understand the business, and flag and prioritize any gaps and/or exposure areas.

• You’ve supported corporate governance, equity, and employment-related matters.

• You have experience negotiating commercial contracts and pushing back where necessary.

• You have operating knowledge of privacy, data protection, AI, and IP transactions.

• You’re a pragmatic business partner who looks for a path forward, clearly communicates risk and trade-offs, and knows when to draw a hard line.

• You’re systems-oriented and use AI and automation to make legal work faster and more scalable.

Life at Rillet

• Grow with us. Take meaningful ownership, expand your scope, and make an impact as Rillet scales.