Fintech & Financial Services Mid-Level Associate (3rd5th Year) - S.F.

Job Description

Job Description

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