Director of Legal - Remote

Overview

FirstPrinciples is a non-profit organization building an autonomous AI Physicist to understand the nature of reality, and we are hiring our first in-house legal counsel to build the legal function at FirstPrinciples.

In Short

• First in-house legal counsel for FirstPrinciples.
• Support Canadian foundation and US 501(c)(3) globally.
• Work closely with executive leadership.
• Develop AI governance frameworks.
• Advise on intellectual property strategy.
• Support corporate governance for multiple entities.
• Structure and negotiate data acquisition agreements.
• Lead legal structuring for research collaborations.
• Manage legal frameworks for talent programs.
• Provide strategic legal advice on AI and nonprofit law.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent with active bar membership in Canada.
• 8+ years of relevant legal experience.
• Strong experience in commercial contracts and data licensing.
• Experience advising on AI regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of Canadian and U.S. employment law.
• Experience with nonprofits and technology companies is a plus.
• Ability to operate independently and make judgment calls.
• Experience building a legal function from scratch.
• Clear communication style with non-lawyers.
• Interest in physics, AI, or scientific research.

Benefits

• Be part of a transformative journey in science and technology.
• Opportunity to shape the legal function in a fast-moving organization.
• Work with a diverse and global team.
• Engage in meaningful legal work at the intersection of AI and research.
• Contribute to the mission of advancing fundamental science.