Legal Counsel

About Ritual

Ritual is building a sovereign, execution layer for AI, with our private testnet already live and running. The Ritual chain is the first blockchain custom-built to support AI-native operations, designed from the ground up to enable a new class of applications at the intersection of crypto and AI. Our first product, Infernet, is pioneering new ground as the first solution to enable developers to access AI models both on-chain via smart contracts and off-chain, demonstrating our commitment to bridging these transformative technologies.

About the role

As the first in-house legal hire, you will be responsible for setting up and managing all aspects of the legal framework for the company. This is a hands-on role requiring a proactive problem-solver with a deep understanding of corporate, employment, and regulatory legal matters, especially in Web3 and AI. You will provide strategic legal advice to the executive team while ensuring compliance and mitigating risks as the company scales.

Legal Strategy and Operations: Build the legal function from the ground up, including creating policies, processes, and templates to support the company’s growth. Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team and board on legal, regulatory, and business matters

Corporate Governance: Oversee corporate governance, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices. Draft and manage board resolutions, minutes, and shareholder agreements

Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including commercial, vendor, partnership, and employment contracts. Establish a contract management system to streamline workflows and improve efficiency

Compliance: Develop and maintain compliance programs, particularly in areas related to GDPR, AML, OFAC, etc. Ensure adherence to data privacy, employment law, and intellectual property laws

Regulatory Matters: Stay updated on regulatory developments that impact the company, particularly within blockchain/AI. Partner with cross-functional teams to address compliance risks proactively

Risk Mitigation: Identify potential legal and regulatory risks and recommend risk mitigation strategies. Handle disputes, litigation, and external counsel engagement as needed

Equity and Fundraising: Support fundraising activities by providing legal guidance on term sheets, stock issuance, and investor agreements. Oversee equity administration in partnership with internal teams

About you

J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar

3+ years of relevant legal experience, including time at a top-tier law firm and/or as in-house counsel

Experience working with early-stage or high-growth companies, particularly in web3/AI

Strong expertise in corporate governance, contract law, regulatory compliance, and risk management

Familiarity working with web3 teams

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment

Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal and business priorities

Why join us

Join a passionate group of engineers, researchers, and operators on a mission to build the next generation of AI infrastructure

Highly competitive compensation package, including annual discretionary bonus & optimized tax structure compared to the vast majority of web3 startups

Top 1% of benefits across the web3 startup space

100% of premiums covered on highest quality healthcare

Aggressive company 401k match

Fully remote and/or hybrid, up to you!

Participate in virtual and in-person events

Much much more!