FirstPrinciples Holding Company

Director of Legal

FirstPrinciples Holding Company

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: Canada

Visit company website

Explore more

✨ AI Apply
Apply

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • We are hiring our first in-house legal counsel to build the legal function at FirstPrinciples.
  • This role will be based in Canada and will serve as the primary legal partner for the entire organization globally.
  • You will support our Canadian foundation, our US 501(c)(3), and future international entities, working across borders, legal systems, and institutional norms.
  • You will work closely with the executive leadership team and will be involved early in shaping how the organization is structured & operates.
  • It is a high-trust position for someone who can combine strong legal fundamentals with sound business judgment in novel situations.
  • The ideal candidate is comfortable operating as a team of one, enjoys building legal structures and frameworks from scratch, and is excited by the challenge of supporting a fast-moving research organization working at the frontier of AI and fundamental science.

Requirements

  • Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent, with active bar membership in a Canadian jurisdiction.
  • 8+ years of relevant legal experience, ideally combining law firm training with in-house experience.
  • Strong experience in commercial contracts, data licensing, or technology-related agreements.
  • Demonstrated experience advising on emerging AI regulatory frameworks.
  • Experience advising on Canadian and U.S. employment law basics.
  • Experience working with nonprofits, technology companies, research institutions, universities, or international organizations is a strong plus.
  • Comfort supporting cross-border operations and coordinating with foreign counsel when needed.
  • Ability to operate independently, set priorities, and make judgment calls in ambiguous situations.
  • Experience building a legal function from scratch or as first/early in-house counsel.
  • Clear and direct communication style with non-lawyers, including researchers, engineers, and operators.
  • Interest in or curiosity about physics, AI, or fundamental scientific research.
Benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Retirement plans
  • Paid time off
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
Juris Doctorcommercial contractsdata licensingtechnology-related agreementsAI regulatory frameworksCanadian employment lawU.S. employment lawlegal function buildingcross-border operationslegal advising
Soft Skills
strong legal fundamentalsbusiness judgmentindependent operationpriority settingjudgment in ambiguityclear communicationdirect communicationteam collaborationproblem-solvingadaptability
Certifications
active bar membership