Junior Associate

Junior Associate (supporting fractional GC client portfolio)

The Opportunity

We're excited to announce that we are expanding our team and hiring a junior associate (fractional in-house Counsel) (1-3 years experience), who will work directly with a senior fractional General Counsel, supporting multiple crypto/fintech client accounts.

Northstar Legal is an innovative law firm operating at the intersection of emerging technology and law. We act as fractional general counsel for companies in the crypto/fintech space, advising some of the most talented and ambitious CEOs in crypto. We don't bill hours. This role offers rapid skill development through hands-on work with cutting-edge legal issues, direct client interaction, and mentorship from experienced practitioners.

You will support legal affairs for cutting-edge companies including L1 blockchains, DeFi protocols, regulated securities infrastructure providers, and zero-knowledge proof platforms. You will master client products and business models and execute legal work across the full spectrum of corporate, commercial, regulatory, and employment matters on a daily basis.

What You'll Do

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements including vendor contracts, partnership agreements, licensing deals, and SaaS terms.
• Conduct legal research on novel regulatory questions across securities law, commodities regulation, money transmission, sanctions, consumer protection, and international frameworks.
• Support corporate governance by drafting board resolutions and managing equity for clients.
• Assist in managing company administrative infrastructure to ensure efficient client service.
• Coordinate outside counsel on specialized matters by scoping projects, tracking deadlines, summarizing their advice for internal stakeholders, and managing budgets.
• Build internal resources: create templates, checklists, and playbooks that scale legal support across the client portfolio.
• Monitor regulatory developments and prepare summaries of key guidance, enforcement actions, and policy changes affecting clients.
• Develop subject matter expertise in targeted areas (token structures, privacy compliance, marketing review, IP protection) as directed by supervising counsel.
• Assist with client employment matters including offer letters, contractor agreements, separation documentation, and routine HR questions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed U.S. attorney with 1-3 years of experience, including law firm training or in-house exposure to technology companies.
• Strong academic credentials and excellent legal writing ability.
• Interest in cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and decentralized systems.
• Ability to work proactively, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to learn rapidly in areas where legal frameworks are still evolving.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing polished, accurate work product.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers.
• Experience using technology tools (document automation, AI research assistants, project management platforms) to increase efficiency.

Preferred

• Familiarity with crypto regulatory frameworks (Howey test, commodities regulation, FinCEN / money transmission, OFAC / sanctions rules).
• Prior exposure to corporate transactions, including financings or M&A.
• Understanding of software development processes and ability to engage productively with technical teams.
• Experience drafting for or advising marketing/communications teams on promotional content and disclosure requirements.
• Experience with privacy and data security compliance (GDPR, CCPA, data breach response).

Location & Work Style

This role is ideally suited for candidates based in New York City or San Francisco, though we encourage strong candidates in other locations to apply. NYC-based team members have full flexibility – remote, hybrid, or fully in-person – with access to our office space near Union Square and the ability to meet with clients at their offices as needed. Candidates outside NYC will work fully remotely, with the expectation of occasional travel for in-person collaboration.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role on a full-time basis is $160,000 to $190,000.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. We do not discriminate on any legally protected basis.

About Northstar Legal

Northstar Legal was founded in early 2023 by a seasoned lawyer with deep experience counseling leading CEOs in crypto and financial services. Our clients are pioneering a new kind of financial and digital engagement system and Northstar Legal is guiding them on legal and regulatory matters each step of the way.