Spencer Hawes

PARTNER AND CO-FOUNDER

Combing his experience as a lawyer and 4x founder, Spencer brings over fifteen years of legal and business expertise helping startups and tech companies navigate complex regulatory challenges and scale with confidence. As the founder of Runway Legal, Spencer provides fast, practical, and risk-weighted legal guidance tailored to the dynamic needs of innovative businesses.

Spencer’s legal career spans high-impact roles at global organizations. Prior to the launching Runway in 2020, he began his practice at Skadden Arps on the political law team, counseling clients on compliance and regulatory issues. He later managed the political law function at Barclays, offering strategic guidance to the multinational financial institution. At Uber, Spencer built and led the company’s global regulatory practice, addressing high-stakes matters across international markets, from gig economy frameworks to autonomous vehicles. And as Global Head of Regulatory at REEF Technology, he steered the company through its rapid expansion into new markets.

Spencer’s approach is rooted in being a true partner to his clients—offering clear, decisive guidance that solves problems and empowers clients to move fast and innovate confidently in an ever-evolving legal landscape.

Get in touch: spencer@runwaylegal.co.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

  • Fractional general counsel to unicorn logistics startup, including development of novel licensing framework to enable nationwide growth.

  • Built regulatory strategy for early-stage online auction marketplace to successfully protect growth while navigating civil and criminal risk due to unique product offerings.

  • Advised gig work platform on successful transition from independent contractor to W-2 model and accompanying business implications.

  • Fractional general counsel to rapidly growing short-term rental technology company, including supporting pivot of business model and structural acquisition.

BAR ADMISSION

Admitted to practice in Washington, D.C.

EDUCATION
HARVARD LAW SCHOOL
J.D., 2009

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
B.A., Philosophy, 2005