About Us

James D. "Dave" Robinett

Founder

After nearly three decades practicing law - including 8+ years as Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel inside venture & private equity-backed technology companies - I've returned to what I love most: serving as trusted, hands-on outside counsel for startups and growth-stage businesses.

My in-house experience changes how I practice law. I've been an executive team member guiding companies through every issue faced by high-growth companies. I know what it's like to be on the client's side of the table—which means I give advice that's practical, timely, strategic and grounded in business reality, not just legal theory.

What I bring to the table:
As General Counsel, I led legal, compliance, finance, and procurement functions for high-growth SaaS and technology companies — advising boards and executive teams through multiple venture financings, credit facilities, acquisitions and successful company exits. Earlier in my career, I represented startups and venture funds for 20 years through more than 100 financing rounds (over $1B raised) and M&A transactions exceeding $7B in value, across software, hardware, semiconductors, telecommunications, and other emerging technology sectors.

I've also led the modernization of legal operations using AI-driven tools—improving turnaround time, scalability, and quality of legal support. I bring that same approach to Robinett Legal: using AI tools to work faster and more cost-effectively, so clients get startup-friendly pricing with all the benefits of a seasoned GC's judgment.

At Robinett Legal, we help founders and management teams:
• Structure and negotiate venture financings, debt facilities, and M&A transactions
• Navigate IP strategy, licensing, and commercial agreements
• Build scalable legal infrastructure without in-house overhead
• Manage privacy, data governance, and regulatory risk
• Move faster and more efficiently through AI-enabled legal workflows
• Get pragmatic, business-first legal counsel—the kind you'd get from a GC, not just outside counsel

If you're building a company and need a legal partner who's actually run a legal department, led companies from formation and rapid growth through exit transactions and knows how to combine deep experience with modern tools — let's talk.

Professional Experience

In-House:
• Alert Media - General Counsel (2025 - 2026)
• OJO Labs - Chief Legal Officer (2018 - 2025)

Private Practice:
• Robinett Law Firm (2010 - 2018)
• Vinson & Elkins (2002 - 2009)
• Gunderson Dettmer (1999 - 2002)
• Hughes & Luce (now KL Gates) (1998 - 1999)

Educational Background
• University of Texas School of Law, J.D. with honors, Order of the Coif, 1998
• University of Texas McCombs School of Business, M.B.A., 1998
• Tulane University, B.S. in Mathematical Economics cum laude, 1991
• Admitted to practice: Texas, 1998