What are the responsibilities and job description for the Yuma - Legal Counsel position at Connecticut Innovations?
Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220 companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.
Come join Yuma, Yuma | Advancing Decentralized AI on Bittensor.
About Yuma
At Yuma, we are on a mission to drive positive economic and societal change by revolutionizing the way the world connects through decentralized intelligence. Yuma exists to champion development on Bittensor, an ecosystem that empowers brilliant minds and democratizes access to advanced computing and intelligence. Together we are cultivating a space where innovation thrives, ideas are rewarded, and cutting-edge technology becomes accessible to everyone.
As a proud subsidiary of DCG, a global investor, builder, and accelerator, we have the backing and resources to empower the next generation of visionaries. Our role is clear: to support and nurture transformative teams at the critical early stages of development. By removing barriers and providing the tools needed to succeed, we’re ensuring that the AI revolution is not just for a select few but for the visionaries shaping our shared future.
This role requires working in person at our Stamford, CT, office at least three days per week.
Legal Counsel
The Legal Counsel will be a critical strategic partner to the business. This is an exciting opportunity to join the legal team and drive important initiatives for a growing organization at the center of crypto and decentralized AI. Reporting to the VP, Legal, the Legal Counsel will oversee all commercial and tech transactions in support of the company’s rapid growth in addition to other responsibilities. The position requires an experienced professional who can provide pragmatic and strategic guidance in addition to meticulous and efficient drafting, negotiation and execution of day-to-day legal tasks.
This role demands a hands-on, proactive individual capable of thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while contributing to our long-term vision.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Contracting and Tech Transactions:
- Provide strategic legal advice to the business team on all aspects of Yuma’s commercial and tech transactions business, including deal structuring, negotiation, drafting, execution and post-deal tracking. Yuma works with exchanges, custodians, platform providers, developers and other third parties to expand access to Bittensor and regularly works on novel deal structures requiring deep crypto understanding in addition to practical legal skill and judgment.
- Identify potential legal and business risks related to deal structures and agreements and develop thoughtful and actionable strategies to address them in collaboration with the business team.
- Develop templates, processes, systems, and playbooks for contracts to drive business efficiencies and advance organizational goals.
Marketing and Communications Reviews:
- Review marketing and communications materials that allow Yuma to share its strategic vision and activities within the Bittensor ecosystem while balancing regulatory considerations.
Asset Management:
- Provide support on matters related to Yuma’s asset management business.
Regulatory Matters:
- Monitor relevant regulatory developments and analyze implications for the company and industry as Yuma’s business grows and scales.
- Navigate the complex regulatory environment associated with decentralized AI and blockchain technologies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with and cultivate strong working relationships with internal teams and external business partners to align legal initiatives and guidance with business objectives.
- Educate employees on industry best practices and compliance standards.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active bar membership (in good standing) in at least one jurisdiction.
- 3 years of legal experience, with a preference for law firm or in-house legal experience.
- Strong background in commercial and tech transactions matters, including contract drafting, negotiation and collaborative dealmaking.
- Experience in the technology, blockchain or decentralized AI sectors, with a strong preference for existing knowledge of crypto or Bittensor.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills for both legal and non-legal audiences to be able to clearly explain complex problems.
- Ability to adjust to new situations, pivot when priorities change, and make accommodations as needed to be effective in your role and deliver on goals.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with product counseling, corporate governance matters, asset management and crypto policy.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in high-growth, fast-paced environments.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- An opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, cutting-edge environment at a rapidly scaling company led by experienced industry leaders
- An innovative learning environment where you can immerse yourself in the latest technologies, contribute to building a transformative new industry, and make a meaningful impact.
- Competitive base salary, bonus and incentive compensation
- Unlimited PTO / Flexible time off - work with your leader to take time off when you need it
- Professional development budget with flexibility for personal and professional growth
- Outstanding health insurance for employee, partner and dependents
- Life insurance, short-term & long-term disability coverage
- 401K plan with company contribution
- Flexible spending programs for medical and dependent care
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Yuma is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.