Legal Counsel

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Decentralized Intelligence

At Yuma, we are on a mission to drive positive economic and societal change by revolutionizing the way the world connects through decentralized intelligence. Yuma exists to champion development on Bittensor, an ecosystem that empowers brilliant minds and democratizes access to advanced computing and intelligence.  Together we are cultivating a space where innovation thrives, ideas are rewarded, and cutting-edge technology becomes accessible to everyone.

As a proud subsidiary of DCG, a global investor, builder, and incubator, we have the backing and resources to empower the next generation of visionaries. Our role is clear: to support and nurture transformative teams at the critical early stages of development. By removing barriers and providing the tools needed to succeed, we’re ensuring that the AI revolution is not just for a select few but for the visionaries shaping our shared future.

DESCRIPTION:

The Legal Counsel will be a critical strategic partner to the business. This is an exciting opportunity to be the first legal hire within our organization. Reporting directly to the COO, the Legal Counsel will oversee all legal aspects of the business to support the company’s rapid growth. The position requires a seasoned professional who can balance high-level strategic guidance with meticulous and efficient execution of day-to-day legal tasks. The Legal Counsel will also be responsible for developing and managing key relationships with external counsel.

This role demands a hands-on, proactive individual capable of thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while contributing to our long-term vision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Guidance and Strategy

• Provide strategic legal advice to the executive team on all aspects of Yuma’s business, including corporate governance, risk management, deal structuring, new business lines, employee matters, IP, communications/marketing, and regulatory matters.
• Identify potential legal risks and develop thoughtful and actionable strategies to address them.

Management of Commercial Transactions & Other Contracts

• Lead the negotiation, drafting, and review of various types of agreements, including for novel deal structures.
• Develop templates, processes, and playbooks for contracts.

Regulatory Matters

• Monitor relevant regulatory developments and analyze implications for the company and industry.
• Navigate the complex regulatory environment associated with decentralized AI and blockchain technologies.

Employee Matters

• Oversee all employment-related legal matters and guide the HR team on employment-related issues.
• Develop and update internal policies and procedures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with and cultivate strong working relationships with internal teams and external business partners to align legal initiatives and guidance with business objectives.
• Educate employees on industry best practices and compliance standards.

Dispute Resolution

• Manage any disputes, litigation, and/or external legal relationships efficiently.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership (in good standing) in at least one jurisdiction.
• 7+ years of legal experience, with a preference for in-house legal experience.
• Strong background in contract negotiation and corporate transactions (with a preference for technology transactions).
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills for both legal and non-legal audiences to be able to clearly explain complex problems.
• Ability to adjust to new situations, pivot when priorities change, and make accommodations as needed to be effective in your role and deliver on goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the financial or technology sectors, particularly blockchain or decentralized AI, with pre-existing knowledge of Bittensor being a plus.
• Background that includes knowledge of securities laws.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in high-growth, fast-paced environments.

The salary range for this role is $175,000-$250,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

This range only includes base compensation and does not include other tangible benefits such as 401K match, bonuses, equity grants, and other benefits.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• An opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, cutting-edge environment at a rapidly scaling company led by experienced industry leaders
• An innovative learning environment where you can immerse yourself in the latest technologies, contribute to building a transformative new industry, and make a meaningful impact.Competitive base salary, bonus and incentive compensation
• Unlimited PTO / Flexible time off - work with your leader to take time off when you need it
• Professional development budget with flexibility for personal and professional growth
• Outstanding health insurance for employee, partner and dependents
• Life insurance, short-term & long-term disability coverage
• 401K plan with company contribution
• Flexible spending programs for medical and dependent care
• Paid parental leave

ABOUT YUMA:
At Yuma, our mission is to create positive economic and societal change by connecting transformative ideas to decentralized intelligence.

Yuma exists to support and encourage development on Bittensor – an ecosystem that rewards our brightest minds and opens access to advanced computing and intelligence. We support promising teams at critical early stages of development, enabling world changing innovations to get off the ground and ensuring the AI revolution is accessible to the next generation of visionaries shaping our world.

Yuma is a subsidiary of DCG, a global investor, builder and incubator.

Yuma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, marital status, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factors protected under federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.