We're seeking our first Sales Development Representative (SDR) to join our founding team. This isn’t just a job- it’s a chance to help build the front door of Shepherd and define how we engage with startups from their very first interaction.
You’ll work directly with the founding team to generate pipeline, test messaging, and build outbound and inbound systems that drive customer acquisition. You’ll be on the front lines of the business — speaking with founders, identifying pain points, and creating opportunities for Shepherd to deliver value.
As an early member of the team, you’ll have meaningful ownership over pipeline generation and play a critical role in shaping our go-to-market engine.
This is a rare opportunity to help define how a new category — AI-native legal services- reaches and converts customers.
What You'll Do
Generate qualified pipeline through outbound (email, LinkedIn, cold calling) and inbound lead follow-up
Research and identify high-potential startup prospects (pre-seed through Series B)
Craft personalized outreach that clearly communicates Shepherd’s value proposition
Qualify leads through discovery conversations and schedule meetings for Account Executives / founders
Maintain and manage CRM (HubSpot or similar), ensuring accurate tracking of outreach and pipeline
Test and iterate on messaging, sequences, and targeting to improve conversion rates
Collaborate with marketing and growth on campaigns, content, and lead generation strategies
Build relationships with founders and operators early in their journey
Provide feedback from the market to help refine positioning, product, and GTM strategy
Help build scalable outbound systems and playbooks from scratch
1–3+ years of experience in SDR/BDR, sales, or customer-facing roles (or strong demonstrated interest in sales)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High level of organization and attention to detail
Strong work ethic and willingness to do high-volume, high-quality outreach
Comfort using sales tools (e.g., HubSpot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Apollo, etc.)
Ability to learn quickly and adapt messaging based on feedback
Experience selling or prospecting into startups
Familiarity with SaaS, legal tech, fintech, or B2B services
Experience with outbound sequencing and experimentation
Interest in AI, startups, and early-stage company building
Entrepreneurial mindset- You thrive in ambiguity and enjoy building from zero
Hustle & resilience- You’re energized by outreach, rejection, and continuous improvement
Curiosity- You want to deeply understand founders and their challenges
Ownership mentality- You take responsibility for pipeline generation and results
Coachability- You seek feedback and improve quickly
Adaptable- You’re comfortable iterating on messaging, tools, and processes in real time
Competitive compensation: $60,000 – $80,000 base salary + commission (OTE $90,000 – $120,000+)
Meaningful equity: Early-stage ownership with significant upside
Direct impact: Build and shape Shepherd’s outbound and inbound engine from day one
Career growth: Clear path to Account Executive or broader GTM roles as the company scales
Hands-on learning: Work directly with founders and gain exposure to full-cycle sales
Mission-driven work: Help democratize access to high-quality legal services for startups
We believe ambitious outcomes are possible. We explore unconventional ideas, test them rigorously, and act on the data- learning fast without distraction or comparison.
Demand ExcellenceMediocrity has consequences. We set the highest standard in our execution, judgement, and how we show up everyday- because excellence compounds.
Execute RelentlesslySpeed and urgency are habits that when modeled consistently and scaled through automation, become contagious across the team, the product, and our customers.
Earn Trust Through ActionLegal work runs on trust, not features. We earn trust by being responsive, transparent, and accountable to our customers- particularly when it’s uncomfortable.
Be a Good PersonWe pair high standards with empathy and ambition with humanity. Respect and integrity are NOT separate from winning- they are how we win.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Skills Required
- 1-3+ years of experience in SDR/BDR, sales, or customer-facing roles, or strong demonstrated interest in sales
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High level of organization and attention to detail
- Strong work ethic and willingness to perform high-volume, high-quality outreach
- Comfort using sales tools such as HubSpot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and Apollo
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt messaging based on feedback
- Experience selling or prospecting into startups
- Familiarity with SaaS, legal tech, fintech, or B2B services
- Experience with outbound sequencing and experimentation
- Interest in AI, startups, and early-stage company building
What We Do
Shepherd is an AI-native hybrid law firm and technology platform serving startup founders, early-stage companies, and small businesses. It combines AI agents and contextual intelligence with dedicated attorney oversight to automate routine, repetitive, and data-heavy legal work while preserving human judgment for strategy and accountability. The company delivers embedded legal support, contract creation and review, and fixed, predictable pricing rather than traditional billable-hour arrangements.









