Product Counsel

Product Counsel

Upgrade helps customers move in the right direction with affordable and responsible financial products. Since 2017, we've helped over 7.5 million customers access over $42 billion in consumer credit. With a relentless focus on improving our customers' financial well-being, we build products that put more money in their pocket and support their journey toward a better financial future. We're backed by some of the most prominent technology investors and were most recently valued at $7.3B.

We're consistently recognized for our collaborative and inclusive culture. Most recently, we were named one of the World's Top Fintech Companies by CNBC, Best Places to Work by Built In, Best Places to Work by the San Francisco Business Times, America's Greatest Workplaces by Newsweek, Best Startup Employer by Forbes, and Healthiest Employers by Phoenix Business Journal.

We're looking for new team members who get excited about designing and delivering new and better products. Come join us and help build a better financial future for millions of people.

About The Role:

Upgrade's growing Legal team is seeking a Product Counsel to provide legal guidance on a variety of financial products offered through Upgrade and related initiatives. You'll work cross-functionally as we help develop new products and advise on legal risks and regulatory compliance. The legal issues you'll encounter are cutting edge and always evolving. The successful candidate will be skilled at building strong relationships, working in the unknown while balancing legal risks, and comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Preference will be given to candidates who can work in a hybrid capacity from our San Francisco office. Upgrade also encourages applications from those who live near our other offices in Tustin, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Phoenix, AZ. We will also consider remote candidates. Regardless of location, the position will require Pacific Time working hours.

What You'll Do:

• Review new products and features from early stages of development through launch, advising on legal risks while providing practical legal advice
• Work closely with Product, Compliance, Marketing, Engineering, Risk and other teams to help bring new products and features to market while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance
• Draft consumer facing agreements (loan agreements, TILA disclosures, program terms, etc.) and review marketing collateral
• Research and spot issues related to consumer protection laws and regulations, commercial agreements, privacy, and other legal requirements
• Prioritize workload to set goals and meet deadlines in a fluctuating and sometimes ambiguous business environment
• Own your projects with a can-do attitude and a willingness to jump in where needed – no job is too big or too small – and some may not exactly fit in the four corners of this job description

What We Look For:

• J.D. and Bar membership in good standing
• 5+ years advising financial institutions/fintech companies as a lawyer at a leading law firm or in-house legal department
• Experience advising on financial products, in particular consumer loans, deposit accounts and payments
• Knowledge of and experience with mortgage and HELOC products, including RESPA compliance, is a plus
• Innate curiosity, desire and ability to learn rapidly
• Resiliency and comfort serving as a trusted business partner
• Quick adopter of new and evolving technology
• A team player with a sense of humor and self awareness

Nice To Have:

• Big Law and fintech startup experience

What We Offer You:

• Competitive salary and stock option plan
• Medical, dental and vision insurance with employer paid options
• Flexible PTO
• Learning stipend for personal growth and development
• Paid parental leave
• Health & wellness initiatives

The compensation range of this position in San Francisco, CA is USD $190,000 - $230,000 annually plus equity and benefits. Within this range, an individual's base pay will be dependent on a variety of factors, including without limitation, job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Environmental & Working Conditions

• Work is performed indoors in a fast-paced environment that requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established workflows, schedules, and service expectations.
• Employees regularly input, retrieve, and exchange information accurately using digital systems and applications to support operational and customer service objectives.
• The role requires the ability to receive and exchange information with customers, peers, supervisors, and cross-functional partners through available communication channels, which may include meetings, email, phone, and digital collaboration tools, and may involve real-time, verbal, or in-person exchanges depending on business need.
• Job duties may involve managing a high volume of inbound and/or outbound customer interactions and work activities using telecommunications and computer systems. The role requires the ability to read, analyze, and interpret information displayed on computer screens and remain in a working posture for extended periods, consistent with the demands of the position.
• Work may be performed in a contact center, office, or remote environment, depending on business needs and the nature of the role. Onsite work environments may include shared workspaces, standard office lighting, and moderate background noise typical of customer service or operational settings.
• Employees working remotely are responsible for maintaining a secure and productive workspace with reliable internet connectivity that supports company systems and safeguards the confidentiality of company and customer information.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Upgrade does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, search firms, or any third parties. Any resume submitted to any employee of Upgrade without a prior written agreement in place will be considered the property of Upgrade, and Upgrade will not be obligated to pay any referral or placement fee. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Upgrade's Talent Acquisition department to submit resumes and only in conjunction with a valid, fully executed agreement. English is required for all positions, as it involves interacting with staff at Upgrade's offices worldwide.