What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fintech & Financial Services Mid-Level Associate (3rd–5th Year) - Silicon Valley position at Direct Counsel?
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