Director of Legal

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• We are seeking our inaugural in-house legal counsel to establish the legal function at FirstPrinciples.

• You will act as the principal legal partner for the entire organization on a global scale.

• Provide support for our Canadian foundation, our US 501(c)(3), and upcoming international entities, navigating cross-border legal systems and institutional norms.

• Collaborate closely with the executive leadership team and become involved early in defining the organization’s structure and operations.

• Create and manage AI governance frameworks, which include responsible AI policies, model documentation standards, and ensuring regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions.

• Offer guidance on intellectual property strategy, encompassing patent evaluation, trade secrets, open-source licensing, and ownership of AI-generated research outputs.

• Regularly maintain and update the organization's website privacy policy and terms of use to align with evolving legal standards, product modifications, and best practices.

• Ensure compliance with emerging global AI and data regulations.

• Assist with corporate governance for Canadian, US, and future international entities, including board matters, resolutions, and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance on critical regulatory filings such as Form 990 (IRS), T3010 (CRA), and other global compliance submissions.

• Work with external counsel in the US and other jurisdictions as necessary.

• Draft and negotiate vendor agreements, NDAs, and various commercial contracts used throughout the organization.

• Provide insights on export controls, sanctions compliance, and cross-border data and AI model transfers.

• Structure, draft, and negotiate data acquisition, licensing, and usage agreements with academic institutions, research consortia, publishers, and other data providers across multiple jurisdictions.

• Advise on data rights, permitted uses, restrictions, and risk exposure in the context of AI-driven research and model development.

• Lead the legal structuring and negotiation of collaboration agreements with universities, research institutes, nonprofits, and other partners globally.

• Draft and negotiate MOUs, research collaboration agreements, joint research agreements, and related frameworks.

• Ensure that agreements are consistent with FirstPrinciples’ mission, nonprofit obligations, and long-term research objectives across jurisdictions.

• Develop and oversee legal frameworks for fellowships, internships, co-op programs, visiting researcher arrangements, and academic secondments across Canada, the US, and other regions.

• Draft and review offer letters, program agreements, and related documentation in collaboration with the Director of Talent and Director of Finance.

• Provide counsel on IP ownership, publication rights, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest concerning research talent.

• Advise on cross-border charitable solicitation, donor restrictions, grant agreements, and nonprofit regulatory compliance.

• Support board governance, conflict of interest policies, and adherence to private benefit regulations.

• Identify legal and regulatory risks proactively and offer clear, practical guidance to leadership.

• Assist in designing legal processes that can scale as the organization expands internationally without hindering execution.

• Serve as a thought partner on emerging legal matters at the intersection of AI, data, nonprofit law, and global research collaboration.

⛳️ Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent, with active bar membership in a Canadian jurisdiction.

• Over 8 years of relevant legal experience, ideally combining experience in a law firm with in-house roles.

• Strong background in commercial contracts, data licensing, or technology-related agreements.

• Proven experience in advising on emerging AI regulatory frameworks.

• Familiarity with Canadian and U.S. employment law fundamentals.

• Experience with nonprofits, technology firms, research institutions, universities, or international organizations is highly advantageous.

• Comfort in supporting cross-border operations and coordinating with foreign counsel when required.

• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and make sound judgments in ambiguous situations.

• Experience in building a legal function from the ground up or serving as the first/early in-house counsel.

• Clear and straightforward communication style with non-lawyers, including researchers, engineers, and operators.

• Genuine interest in or curiosity about physics, AI, or foundational scientific research.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary

• Remote work options