First Circle Law

Pro tip: Lawyers who love their jobs will invariably deliver better service than disgruntled burn out cases. When selecting a lawyer, screen for career satisfaction + optimism in addition to technical chops.

Today is the start of something new. After an incredible run at TRM, I am excited to announce the launch of First Circle GC, a Fractional General Counsel consulting firm for fast-growing technology companies. Why now? Simple. I've always had an itch to do something entrepreneurial, and I've never been more ready to take a shot on goal. I've spent my entire career as a corporate lawyer for rapidly scaling organizations, both in Biglaw and as the first legal hire at two companies. For me, building a legal department is the art of bringing order to chaos. I love it. The Need: Most companies wait too long to hire a GC and build out their legal function. I get it. Lawyers are expensive. It’s difficult to size up their backgrounds and whether or not they will be a cultural fit within a tight knit group of laser focused builders. Companies usually wait until they’re feeling max pain and then rush to throw money at the problem. It's like taking powerful medicine to treat the symptoms of a disease instead of making the right lifestyle decisions early on to avoid ever getting sick in the first place. I believe there's a better way for companies to live, and that's why I'm doing this. The Model: I personally will do the following: • Work with companies I believe in to build a high functioning, full service in-house legal department before these companies have built one on their own • Take legal departments from zero-to-one and beyond • Have a blast along the way The Services: • Corporate governance and risk management • Commercial contracting (drafting, negotiating, and managing agreements with key partners, vendors, and customers) • Outside counsel management and cost optimization • Contract lifecycle management (CLM) build and rollout for fully automated contracting in Ironclad • Employment law, compensation and equity plan management • Venture financing transactions • Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) support What’s Next: It’s day one. We’re open for business. I’m ready to go. If you want me to build your company a legal department, give me a holler. I’d love to learn more about what you’re working on. DM’s are open.