General Counsel

$285,000 - $315,000/Yr

Upside Foods - Berkeley, CA

Full-time - Executive

Berkeley, CA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the CEO and the Board of Directors. This role will be instrumental in shaping the future of UPSIDE Foods as the company scales its operations and navigates the evolving regulatory landscape of cultivated meat. The General Counsel will lead all legal, regulatory, government affairs, compliance, and corporate governance matters, providing expert guidance on complex issues and fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and ethical business practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the legal strategy to support the company's growth, including guidance on regulatory, intellectual property, commercial, and corporate matters.
• Oversee and manage regulatory strategy and compliance efforts with agencies such as the FDA and USDA, ensuring all products meet the highest safety and regulatory standards.
• Lead engagement with federal, state, and local government bodies, advocating for policies that support the growth of the cultivated meat industry.
• Advise the Board of Directors on governance best practices, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies.
• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks across all areas of the business, including product liability, IP protection, and commercial agreements.
• Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and management of complex agreements, including partnerships, supplier contracts, and licensing arrangements.
• Protect the company's intellectual property assets by developing and managing strategies for patents, trademarks, and other IP rights.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing legal and regulatory team that supports the company's goals and fosters a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment.
• Champion the company's values and ensure adherence to ethical business practices, including compliance training and internal investigations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, product, finance, brand, and marketing, to support strategic initiatives and business development efforts.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 15+ years of legal experience, including at least 5 years in a senior legal leadership role within a high-growth, transformative industry (food tech, biotech, or other innovative sectors).
• Proven track record in regulatory affairs, particularly with FDA and USDA compliance.
• Deep experience with corporate governance, contract negotiation, and intellectual property protection.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments and provide strategic counsel to executive teams and boards.
• Strong leadership skills with experience building and managing a high-performing legal team.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Passion for UPSIDE Foods' mission to transform the food system and bring sustainable, humane meat to tables worldwide.

Benefits

• Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
• 90-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
• Pet insurance for your furry family members!
• Unlimited PTO
• Employee Engagement Council
• Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities