Posts tagged Boutique Startup
New OC Startup Ecosystem Job: Esse Law Startup Attorney Opportunity

Check out this new local Junior Associate Attorney job opportunity from Esse Law:

Esse LawEsse Law is looking for a Junior Associate Attorney for Boutique Startup/VC/Fractional GC Firm to join their team.

Esse Law seeks a motivated, entrepreneurial Junior Associate with at least 2 years of corporate transactional experience to join their boutique firm specializing in startup, VC, and fractional GC work. This part-time role has the potential to transition to full-time, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a woman-run firm’s meaningful growth. They want a standout attorney who values work-life balance, strives for excellence, and seeks female mentorship. The ideal candidate shares their commitment to forward-thinking values, combining sharp technical skills with a deep commitment to humanity.

Who You Are:

  • Experienced and Qualified: Minimum of 2 years of corporate transactional experience, preferably in the startup or VC space; admitted to the California Bar with a JD from an accredited law school.
  • Client-Focused and Personable: A relationship builder who engages clients, ensures satisfaction and drives their growth.
  • Skilled Communicator: Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and oral).
  • Driven and Detail-Oriented: Holds a strong work ethic, demands excellence, and maintains impeccable attention to detail.
  • Accountable and Reliable: Operates with integrity—meets deadlines, honors commitments, owns mistakes, learns from them, and doesn’t make the same mistake twice.
  • Adaptable and Resilient: Thrives under pressure and effectively handles tight deadlines and occasional stress.
  • Curious and Proactive: Intellectually curious, asks thoughtful questions, and responds well to constructive feedback.
  • Collaborative and Independent: A team player who also excels at working autonomously.
  • Mission-Driven and Values-Oriented: Committed to equity, justice, and meaningful work that impacts entrepreneurs and investors.
  • Purposeful and Long-Term Focused: Seeks a long-term career with a mission-driven firm.

This role requires proficiency in Google Workspace, Zoom, DocuSign, Dropbox, and similar tools. The candidate must have a dedicated, private office space.

The Work: Junior Associates support senior attorneys in general counsel work, including contracts, corporate compliance, financings, and M&A. Responsibilities include:

  • Drafting and reviewing contracts, letter agreements, and legal documents related to debt and equity financings.
  • Preparing and maintaining capitalization tables and pro formas, requiring strong Excel skills and comfort with calculations.
  • Conducting legal research and providing analysis and recommendations.
  • Collaborating on legal strategies and solutions for financings, M&A, and corporate governance.
  • Maintaining and updating legal files, securities filings, and documentation in coordination with paralegal staff.

Compensation and Billable Hour Requirement:

Esse Law offers a competitive salary, bonus potential, and benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

  • Full-time salary range: $140,000 - $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
  • Full-time associates are expected to bill 1,600 hours annually; part-time roles are prorated accordingly.

To Apply:

Please fill out the application form here. They encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Remote candidates are welcome, but those in Orange County, California, are preferred.

Learn More About this Job Here.

About the Esse Law Founder and Firm:

Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal, founder of Esse Law, combines passion and legal expertise with a creative edge. After a detour into the music industry, she founded Esse Law in 2007 to support startups and growth companies. With over 17 years of experience, she has guided founders and investors in diverse industries, from tech to biopharma to social enterprises.

Esse Law is a boutique firm providing strategic legal advice to sophisticated serial entrepreneurs, startups, growth companies, and venture capitalists. They make corporate law hustle as hard as their clients—guiding them from inception to exit.

Thanks to Esse Law for offering this local job opportunity, the details, and the graphic!

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