Consumer Financial Services Associate - Midlevel - New York or Washington, DC

We are seeking a talented and motivated midlevel associate to join our Consumer Financial Services & Fintech Regulatory Practice. The ideal candidate will have a passion for advising clients in the dynamic and evolving world of consumer financial services, fintech products, and emerging payment services. This role involves tackling complex regulatory issues while providing strategic counsel to financial institutions, fintechs, and other clients navigating compliance challenges across federal and state laws.

Responsibilities

As a midlevel associate in this practice, you will:

• Regulatory Analysis & Compliance
  • Advise clients on federal and state regulatory issues related to Earned Wage Access, buy now/pay later, deposit accounts, credit products, emerging payment services (e.g., prepaid cards, money transfers), and fintech offerings including virtual currency, blockchain, and consumer data aggregation services.
  • Provide compliance counsel for regulatory frameworks including UDAAP, EFTA, TILA, TISA, GLBA, BSA, MLA, the Dodd-Frank Act, FTC Act, and related consumer finance laws.
  • Evaluate UDAAP risks and advise clients on compliant marketing materials, disclosures, policies, and procedures.

• Fintech Strategy & Licensing
  • Assist startup fintechs in developing compliant business models through state licensing strategies or bank partnerships.
  • Counsel on regulation of innovative fintech products and services, including virtual currency platforms, blockchain applications, and consumer-authorized financial data aggregation.

• Policy Development
  • Develop policies and procedures for clients, ensuring compliance with consumer finance laws and regulations.
  • Advise clients on updates to forms, contracts, and disclosures arising from regulatory changes or risk evaluations.

• Transactional Support
  • Conduct consumer finance regulatory due diligence for transactions.

• Industry Guidance

• Stay informed on emerging trends in payments, credit products, and fintech, providing industry-leading perspectives to clients.
• Represent clients in discussions with U.S. and foreign regulators and relevant industry groups, offering insights into regulatory developments impacting their business.
  

Qualifications

• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in regulatory counseling, compliance, or consumer financial services (law firm experience preferred).
• Education: J.D. from a top-tier law school; active membership in the New York or Washington, D.C. bar.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of consumer finance laws, fintech products, emerging payment services, and compliance frameworks (e.g., UDAAP, EFTA, TILA, and Dodd-Frank Act).
• Skills: Exceptional legal research and analytical skills; ability to distill complex regulatory concepts into actionable advice for clients; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interest: A demonstrated passion for fintech, emerging technologies, and consumer financial services is a strong plus.

Why Join Us

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with recognized leaders in consumer financial services and fintech regulation. You will collaborate on cutting-edge issues in emerging payments and financial technologies. You'll have direct involvement in counseling high-profile clients and developing innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. We foster a supportive environment where associates are encouraged to grow their practice and develop as leaders in the field.

Apply Now

If you are a proactive and detail-oriented associate ready to expand your expertise in consumer financial services and fintech regulatory practice, please submit your cover letter addressed to Beka Anardi, Senior Recruiter; resume; copy of law school transcript; and a writing sample.

We are not accepting 3rd party submissions.

The annualized salary range for this position in New York City and Washington, D.C. is $225,000 to $290,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. Full time employees may be eligible for a bonus, health insurance with an optional HSA, short term disability, long term disability, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k), vacation, sick time, and an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary programs include: voluntary accident insurance, voluntary life, voluntary disability, voluntary long-term care, and pet insurance. Commuter and Transit programs are also available.

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. It brings out the best of what each individual has to offer and inspires us to build strong and lasting connections with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We are committed to creating and cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive environment where every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy to hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all employment-related decisions without regard to an employee's sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religious creed, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military condition, military or veteran status or any other basis prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal laws.

Davis Wright Tremaine provides reasonable accommodations for those who need them to complete the application or recruiting process and for employees who need reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their positions due to a disability or for religious reasons. If you need to request accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please email humanresources@dwt.com.