Gene Rhough

Gene Rhough

Startups · Contracts · Corporate · M&A · IP & SaaS

San Jose
California
Licensed in
CA, DC, Patent Bar, Privacy Certification
Harvard Law School

"Honest and thorough feedback based on detailed research. Much appreciated!"

5.0 5
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines
out of 32 reviews
About
I help founders and business owners set up core contracts, deal documents, and ownership terms so they can form companies, close business sales, bring in partners, and launch products without expensive surprises later.

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.
17
Repeat
clients
78
Projects on
upcounsel
30
Years
experience
Less than 1 day
Response Time
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Representative Clients

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Client Reviews

5.0
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines
out of 32 reviews
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"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."

Draft Service Agreement
Posted on Nov 20, 2025
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"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."

Joint Venture Formation
Posted on Nov 14, 2025
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"Gene is so great. I will be having him as my legal rep moving forward without hesitation"

Convert NZ Shareholders Deed to CA LLC
Posted on Nov 7, 2025
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"I was so impressed with how thoughtful and thorough Gene is in his work. I would highly recommend him!"

Draft Privacy Policy
Posted on Sep 10, 2025
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"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."

Service Contract Review
Posted on Aug 20, 2025
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"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."

Patent Consultation
Posted on May 26, 2023

Work History

Legal Laboratories

Attorney

Mar 2016 - Present

.

Mar 2016 - Present

Sony

VP, Global Digital Business, Business & Legal Affairs

Apr 2014 - Mar 2016

.

Apr 2014 - Mar 2016

News Corp.

GC & SVP Business Development

Mar 2010 - Mar 2014

.

Mar 2010 - Mar 2014

Time Warner / Viacom

VP, Global Digital & New Media

Jan 2008 - Feb 2010

Test

Jan 2008 - Feb 2010

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