Fractional General Counsel
- California
- onsite
- Part time
$200–$300 / hourPosted Updated
Free to apply. You’ll finish on the employer’s own site.
About Pocket
At Pocket, we’re building the future of human memory.
Some of the most valuable information in our lives disappears when a conversation ends: an idea, a decision, a detail we wish we could remember. Pocket helps us hold onto it.
We’ve built an AI-powered device that captures real-world conversations and turns them into searchable transcripts, summaries and next steps. Backed by Accel and Y Combinator (W26), we’ve already sold 500,000 devices.
Our ambition goes beyond recording. We believe the things you learn, discuss and experience can become useful context for the AI tools you already use, and for products that don’t exist yet.
About the Role
Pocket works across hardware, software and international markets. We already work with external law firms. What we need is someone who keeps the legal work connected: deciding what matters, getting the right expertise involved and making sure decisions reach the people who need them.
You’ll own and build that function on a fractional basis. You are not expected to personally handle every specialty. You are expected to know when specialist advice is needed, coordinate it and turn it into practical decisions. You’ll report to the COO and work closely with the founders, Finance, Operations, Product and outside counsel.
What You’ll Own
The legal roadmap, incoming matters, deadlines, priorities and escalation of material risks.
Outside counsel relationships, coordination, budgets and legal spend.
Corporate governance, equity and option matters, financing and transactions, with specialist counsel where needed.
Commercial agreements, including vendors, manufacturing, partnerships, enterprise contracts and NDAs.
Employment and contractor matters, IP assignment, confidentiality, separations, policies and coordination of immigration advice.
Privacy, consumer protection, product compliance, disputes and litigation coordination.
Templates, approval workflows and processes that help the business make sound decisions without unnecessary delay.
What We’re Looking For
At least eight years of relevant legal experience, ideally across a leading law firm and in-house work.
Experience advising venture-backed technology companies and coordinating multiple external firms.
A strong foundation in corporate governance and commercial agreements, with working knowledge of employment, privacy, compliance and litigation management.
Practical judgment about material business risks and the ability to explain options clearly.
Independent execution, strong organization and comfort working directly with founders and senior leaders.
Bonus Points
Consumer technology, hardware, AI, international operations or high-growth DTC experience.
Working Arrangement
This is an ongoing fractional engagement, with regular availability throughout the working week and an expected commitment of approximately one to three hours per business day, flexible with company needs. The work is primarily focused on U.S. matters, coordinating international counsel where needed.
Why Join Pocket?
You’ll help build the way legal work gets done, not simply inherit a queue of requests. You’ll work close to business decisions and use specialist expertise where it matters. As Pocket grows, the role may develop into broader legal leadership.
Interview Process
A 15-minute introductory call; a practical Pocket-style case study; a legal interview; a cross-functional conversation with Finance, Operations or Product; a founder interview; and references. Successful candidates then move to offer and onboarding.
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