Sole In-House Counsel

SmartBug Media is the most decorated HubSpot agency, recognized as a leader in crafting digital solutions that empower organizations to thrive across the entire customer lifecycle. From marketing and sales to revenue operations, customer success, and e-commerce, we combine sound strategies, cutting-edge AI, and digital innovation to deliver solutions that de-risk the future and drive sustainable growth.

With a fully remote team of over 250 professionals, we excel at creating intelligent web and digital ecosystems—from corporate websites to complex web applications—seamlessly integrated with AI-powered solutions. By aligning SmartBug's expertise with our clients' unique business realities, we build scalable, innovative tools that become engines for growth, setting the course for long-term success.

We are seeking In-House Counsel to join our team! The ideal candidate will have significant experience advising on labor and employment matters, drafting and negotiating various commercial contracts, and providing guidance on organizational structure and internal corporate governance. This position will sit on the Executive Team and is a critical role that will help manage legal risk and support the growth of the company across multiple functional areas. The Sole In-House Counsel will provide counsel and advice to cross-functional stakeholders and senior leaders on a broad range of matters related to new initiatives and services and other corporate, transactional, and regulatory matters.

Key Responsibilities :
• Labor and Employment Law: Provide expert legal advice and counsel to Human Resources and management on a wide range of employment matters, including hiring, termination, disciplinary actions, wage and hour compliance (e.g., FLSA), leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA), anti-discrimination laws, and workplace investigations. Advise on creation and updates to employment-related documents, such as offer letters, employment agreements, confidentiality agreements, employee handbooks, and policies. Manage and respond to employment-related claims, demands, and litigation, including collaborating with external counsel as needed. Own corporate governance efforts, maintaining training programs and policies related to legal and compliance areas (Anti-Harassment, HIPPA, etc.). Stay current on evolving federal, state, and local labor and employment laws.

• Contracts Management: Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a variety of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, sales contracts, service agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), freelance agreements, and licensing agreements. Develop and maintain contract templates, standard clauses, and a robust contracts management process. Analyze and mitigate contractual risk for all business units. Manage IP related issues to developed and licensed software.

• Organizational and Corporate Governance: Advise on internal corporate matters, including the formation, dissolution, and management of corporate entities (subsidiaries, acquisitions, etc.).Assist with compliance, corporate filings, and maintenance of corporate records. Provide legal input on internal reorganizations and departmental structures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Support the development and implementation of internal corporate policies and procedures. Conduct research and stay current on changes in the law that could affect the business. Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the business. Promoting legal, compliance and risk management best practice throughout the company. Design, build, and improve legal department processes.

Qualifications :
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state, with a strong preference for California licensure.
• 4–7 years of experience practicing law, with a significant focus on in-house or law firm experience advising corporate clients in the three core areas: labor & employment, commercial contracts, and organizational/corporate matters.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical business advice.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.Collaborative work style focused on finding solutions. Proactive problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications :
• Strongly preferred to have experience with international labor and employment law or cross-border contract negotiations (Montreal, Quebec strongly.
• Experience with legal technology solutions for contracts and compliance.
• Prior experience in a relevant industry (e.g., professional services, digital marketing).
• Licensure, experience practicing in California.