Fintech & Financial Services Mid-Level Associate (3rd-5th Year) - S.F.
Direct Counsel, San Francisco, CA, United States
Fintech & Financial Services Mid-Level Associate (3rd-5th Year)
Direct Counsel represents a well-regarded law firm seeking a talented mid-level associate (3rd-5th year) to join its market-leading Fintech & Financial Services practice. This is a high-impact opportunity at the intersection of regulatory counseling, complex transactions, and the rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.
The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, a genuine interest in emerging financial technologies, and the ability to advise sophisticated clients-from established financial institutions to innovative fintech and crypto companies-on their most critical matters.
Practice Areas: Fintech Regulatory • Payments & Money Transmission • Crypto & Digital Assets • Bank Partnerships • M&A & Investments • Capital Markets • Licensing & Compliance • Blockchain
Key Responsibilities: Advise fintech companies, banks, and institutional clients on federal and state regulatory requirements, including licensing, compliance frameworks, and bank partnership structures Counsel clients on payments regulation, money transmission laws, and the evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets, cryptocurrency, and blockchain-based products Lead and support M&A transactions, strategic investments, and capital markets activities involving fintech and financial services companies Draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including bank partnership agreements, program manager agreements, and technology contracts Monitor and analyze regulatory developments across key agencies (including the CFPB, OCC, Federal Reserve, FinCEN, CFTC, SEC, and state regulators) and provide actionable guidance Collaborate with cross-functional teams on domestic and cross-border transactions and regulatory matters Qualifications:
J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials 3-5 years of experience at a top-tier law firm or relevant regulatory agency (e.g., OCC, CFPB, Federal Reserve, SEC, or CFTC) Substantive experience in fintech regulatory matters, financial services transactions, or both Knowledge of payments, digital assets, cryptocurrency regulation, or emerging fintech business models strongly preferred Admission to the New York and/or California Bar, or eligibility for admission Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory concepts into practical advice Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment Compensation & Benefits:
Cravath-scale base salary, commensurate with class year Eligibility for discretionary performance-based bonus Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement plan Generous paid time off and parental leave Professional development and advancement opportunities
The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, a genuine interest in emerging financial technologies, and the ability to advise sophisticated clients-from established financial institutions to innovative fintech and crypto companies-on their most critical matters.
Practice Areas: Fintech Regulatory • Payments & Money Transmission • Crypto & Digital Assets • Bank Partnerships • M&A & Investments • Capital Markets • Licensing & Compliance • Blockchain
Key Responsibilities: Advise fintech companies, banks, and institutional clients on federal and state regulatory requirements, including licensing, compliance frameworks, and bank partnership structures Counsel clients on payments regulation, money transmission laws, and the evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets, cryptocurrency, and blockchain-based products Lead and support M&A transactions, strategic investments, and capital markets activities involving fintech and financial services companies Draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including bank partnership agreements, program manager agreements, and technology contracts Monitor and analyze regulatory developments across key agencies (including the CFPB, OCC, Federal Reserve, FinCEN, CFTC, SEC, and state regulators) and provide actionable guidance Collaborate with cross-functional teams on domestic and cross-border transactions and regulatory matters Qualifications:
J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials 3-5 years of experience at a top-tier law firm or relevant regulatory agency (e.g., OCC, CFPB, Federal Reserve, SEC, or CFTC) Substantive experience in fintech regulatory matters, financial services transactions, or both Knowledge of payments, digital assets, cryptocurrency regulation, or emerging fintech business models strongly preferred Admission to the New York and/or California Bar, or eligibility for admission Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory concepts into practical advice Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment Compensation & Benefits:
Cravath-scale base salary, commensurate with class year Eligibility for discretionary performance-based bonus Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement plan Generous paid time off and parental leave Professional development and advancement opportunities