International Law and Development

Introduction

Strategic Legal Counsel at the Intersection of Technology and Business

In today's fast-moving digital economy, your business needs more than legal advice—you need a strategic partner who understands both law and technology. As former Legal Counsel (xWF) at Google LLC, Richard Langan brings Big Tech expertise to your startup or growth-stage company—delivering sophisticated legal solutions with the depth of experience from Google and leading law firms, combined with the agility of a focused practice.

Richard H. Langan II brings over 20 years of legal expertise. He advises startups, growth-stage companies, venture funds, and foundations navigating the complexities of commercial transactions, data privacy, and technology law. Whether you're launching an AI platform, scaling a SaaS business, or managing cross-border compliance, we provide the clarity and strategic guidance that drives results.

Experience That Spans Legal Disciplines and Global Markets

Richard founded his solo law and consulting practice in 2009 after six years as contract legal counsel for Tyco International, seconded to Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, where he supported high-profile SEC investigations and litigation related to corporate governance and securities fraud. From 2009 to 2020, Richard's practice focused primarily on international legal consulting, advising the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, and USAID on rule of law and governance reform—work that included assignments in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2020, he pivoted to focus exclusively on technology companies, startups, and investment funds—a transition that positioned him for his subsequent role at Google LLC.

As Legal Counsel (xWF) at Google from 2023-2025, Richard managed over 150 discovery and disclosure matters across YouTube, Ads, Cloud, and DeepMind, reviewed hundreds of technology and SaaS contracts, and coordinated with patent litigation teams and outside counsel to align legal strategy with business objectives.

This unique trajectory—from Big Law litigation to international governance to Big Tech—means you get counsel who understands regulatory complexity, strategic risk management, and the practical demands of operating in fast-paced, global technology markets.

How We Support Your Success

Technology & SaaS Transactions

We draft, review, and negotiate the agreements that power your business: MSAs, SOWs, platform terms, software licenses, data processing agreements, and vendor contracts. Recent clients include Y Combinator-backed AI startups, fashion industry SaaS platforms, and digital manufacturing companies navigating complex IP licensing and cloud computing arrangements.

Data Privacy & Regulatory Compliance

Navigate U.S. and EU privacy frameworks with confidence. We design GDPR-compliant privacy policies, CCPA disclosures, EU AI Act compliance frameworks, and cross-border data transfer mechanisms for companies scaling internationally. As a member of the NYC Bar Association's AI & Digital Technologies Task Force and Expert Contributor to SnorkelAI, Richard stays ahead of evolving AI regulations and emerging privacy requirements.

Corporate Formation & Governance

Build your business on solid legal ground. We handle entity formation, shareholder agreements, LLC operating agreements, venture and grant financing structures, and corporate governance frameworks. We serve as fractional General Counsel to startups, family offices, and foundations—providing ongoing strategic advice without the overhead of a full-time legal department.

Litigation Strategy & Discovery Management

When disputes arise, you need counsel who can coordinate effective responses. Richard's experience managing discovery across patent litigation, employment matters, and general commercial disputes—refined through years at Boies Schiller and Google—ensures your legal strategy aligns with business realities.

International Law & Governance Advisory

For organizations operating across borders or engaged in international development, we provide high-level strategic advice on matters of international law, policy, and human rights. Richard continues to advise international organizations and government contractors on rule of law and governance reform initiatives. He has served as a U.N. team leader and worked in conflict and post-conflict environments.

Proven Results for Diverse Clients

Examples of Recent Engagements (2020-Present):

Technology & SaaS:

  • Fashion Industry SaaS Platform (2020-2021): Guided fashion industry talent and payment platform through vendor contracts, SaaS, Terms of Service, MSAs, privacy policy and licensing agreements.

  • AI Startup (2021): Represented former Google AI engineer from incorporation through to Y Combinator acceptance, handling IP agreements, collaboration agreements, SaaS contracts, and privacy policies.

  • SaaS & Cloud Infrastructure (2022): Negotiated AWS agreements, software licensing terms, and data processing agreements for a major home goods manufacturer.

  • 3D Printing Startup (2024-2025). Advised 3D printing start-up on founders rights, IP licensing and incorporation.

  • PropTech & Design Startup (2025): Advised technology-enabled property management platform on entity formation and operating structure.

Investment Funds & Governance:

  • Venture Fund (2020-Present): Serve as ongoing counsel on capital interest assignments, vendor contracts, and marketing compliance under SEC regulations.

  • Due diligence on Tech investment (2022): Conducted due diligence on client’s investment in an e-scooter start-up.

  • Foundations and Family Offices (2020-Present): Act as Fractional General Counsel, managing governance matters, vendor agreements and regulatory compliance for multiple clients.

Credentials That Matter

Education & Professional Development:

  • J.D., Tulane University Law School

  • LL.M. in International, Foreign, and Comparative Law, Columbia Law School

  • Harvard Business School: Technology Entrepreneurship (Lab to Market)

  • Harvard CS50 (Computer Science for Lawyers)

Bar Admissions: New York and Colorado

Professional Leadership:

  • Member, NYC Bar Association AI & Digital Technologies Task Force

  • Expert Contributor (Law), SnorkelAI, Inc.

The LANGAN Advantage:

Big Tech Experience, Boutique Responsiveness: Google-level legal sophistication without the overhead or hourly rates of large firms.We offer competitive rates for established companies and flexible preferred rates for early-stage startups, non-profits, and mission-driven organizations. We are happy to discuss fee arrangements on an initial call.

Technical Fluency: Completed Harvard's CS50 (Computer Science for Lawyers) and actively advising on AI/ML platforms—we understand your product, not just your contracts.

International Perspective: Two decades of work across 35+ countries informs our approach to cross-border transactions and multi-jurisdictional compliance.

Premium Research Tools: LEXIS+ access delivers the same caliber of legal research and analysis that Fortune 500 companies receive."

Ready to Move Forward?

Whether you're launching your first startup, navigating a complex transaction, need ongoing general counsel support, or require international legal advisory services, LANGAN, PLLC provides the strategic counsel your business demands.

Contact us today:
Richard H. Langan II
rlangan@langan-law.com

LANGAN, PLLC • Strategic Legal Counsel for Technology-Driven Businesses