In-House Counsel

ChipAgents is revolutionizing chip design and verification with agentic-AI workflows. Founded by experts in AI and semiconductor design, we partner with top-10 semiconductor companies, hyper scale cloud providers, and cutting-edge startups. Our platform accelerates RTL development, functional verification, and simulation—unlocking new levels of productivity and design quality.

As our first In-House Counsel, you will serve as the primary legal partner to the business, owning commercial contracts end-to-end, supporting our Sales and Business Development teams, and building the legal infrastructure to scale with the company. You will work directly with founders and functional leaders to structure and close deals, manage risk, and ensure the organization can operate efficiently. Success in this role is defined by sound legal judgment, operational rigor, and the ability to move with the pace of the business.

• Commercial Contracts: Own the full contract lifecycle—customer agreements, vendor/supplier contracts, NDAs, partnership deals, licensing agreements, and SaaS terms. Turn redlines fast and negotiate with business outcomes in mind.

• Sales & BD Enablement: Unblock deal negotiations, and serve as a real-time legal resource for the sales team.

• Legal Infrastructure: Build scalable templates, processes, and approval workflows that let the business self-serve on routine matters, reducing legal as a bottleneck.

• IP & Compliance: Advise on intellectual property and compliance matters relevant to our semiconductor and AI platform business.

• Corporate & Employment: Support equity, employment, and corporate governance matters as the company grows. Manage outside counsel relationships strategically and cost-effectively.

• Fundraising & Investment: Support financing rounds and investment agreements, including term sheets, SAFEs, and related transaction documents.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with product, engineering, and finance to identify legal exposure early and structure deals that work for all sides.

• Education: J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing (California bar preferred or willingness to waive in).

• Commercial Contracts Expertise: 5–8+ years of experience with a strong focus on commercial transactions; you can spot a problematic indemnification clause in your sleep and know which battles are worth fighting.

• Startup Experience: Meaningful time in-house at a startup or in a practice serving high-growth technology companies.

• Independent Operator: Comfortable as a solo practitioner who makes calls, builds systems, and doesn't wait for committees.

• Bonus Points: Experience with hardware, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, or enterprise SaaS.
  

• You'll be defining the legal foundation of a category leader at the intersection of the two most important technology waves of the decade — AI and semiconductors — alongside a world-class technical team and an advisory board of EDA legends. This is a rare opportunity to build the legal function from the ground up at a company with real product, real customers, and the ambition (and backing) to become a generational outcome.
  

ChipAgents is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.

• $180K/yr – $390K/yr base salary + equity. Open to above-scale compensation for exceptional candidates.

• Unlimited PTO and full benefits (medical, vision, dental, 401k).

• Two engineering-centric offices with free parking, private gym, and free lunch, drinks and snacks.