Gene Rhough
Startups · Contracts · Corporate · M&A · IP & SaaS
California
CA, DC, Patent Bar, Privacy Certification
"Honest and thorough feedback based on detailed research. Much appreciated!"
About
I focus on LLC and corporation formations and operating/shareholder agreements, business sales, founder and partner arrangements (including buyouts and separations), commercial contracts (NDAs, MSAs, privacy policies), and IP/SaaS ownership and licensing tied to those deals.
Clients describe me as “the antidote to Big Law inefficiency,” “a legal sniper,” and say I’ve “potentially saved hundreds of thousands” by catching gaps… read more other lawyers missed.
I do all my own work, explain options in plain English, and give clear scope and hour ranges before I start. Harvard Law (cum laude), MIT, former Wilson Sonsini attorney, and GC/VP Legal for media and tech companies and venture‑backed startups, with a 5.0 rating and repeat clients on this platform.
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upcounsel
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Representative Clients
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Client Reviews
"Gene is a legal 'Sniper.' His credentials (Harvard, Wilson Sonsini) are incredibly impressive, but his willingness to share that expertise is what sets him apart. He went above and beyond the agreed-upon scope, generously giving me extra time to walk through the structural risks in my documents. He brings a 'General Counsel' level of thoroughness that is hard to find. Most impressively, when I had to make a tough executive decision to pivot our immediate scope to preserve capital for launch, Gene handled it with absolute professionalism and grace. He acted like a gentleman and a true pro. If you want a lawyer with elite pedigree who respects the realities of business, hire Gene. I look forward to bringing him back for our future expansion."
"Gene is thoughtful, creative, filled with knowledge, and importantly a gentleman. I really like his upfront and honest demeanour, Its our second contract and there will definitely be more work together."
"Gene is so great. I will be having him as my legal rep moving forward without hesitation"
"I was so impressed with how thoughtful and thorough Gene is in his work. I would highly recommend him!"
"I engaged Gene for a contract review and he did an exceptionally thorough job identifying gaps and potential issues. His deliverable included two documents: a redlined contract with recommended edits and additions, and a supporting document that clearly explained the rationale behind each suggestion. While his initial estimate was for 4 hours, the work ultimately took 7.5 hours. Despite this, Gene gave me the option to pay for the additional time, stick with the original estimate, or choose something in between. He respected the decision I made given my financial constraints, without ever compromising the quality of his work. What stood out most to me was his dedication — even knowing he might not be fully compensated, he still delivered an extremely detailed and high-quality review. This speaks volumes about both his professionalism and his commitment to his word. Overall, I strongly recommend Gene and his services."
"Gene was great to work with - very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process, offering great advise to make sure I was protected and that everything was in order."
Work History
Legal Laboratories
Attorney
Mar 2016 - Present
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Sony
VP, Global Digital Business, Business & Legal Affairs
Apr 2014 - Mar 2016
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News Corp.
GC & SVP Business Development
Mar 2010 - Mar 2014
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Time Warner / Viacom
VP, Global Digital & New Media
Jan 2008 - Feb 2010
Test