Senior Counsel, Arc (Chicago)

Circle (NYSE: CRCL) is one of the world’s leading internet financial platform companies, building the foundation of a more open, global economy through digital assets, payment applications, and programmable blockchain infrastructure. Circle’s platform includes the world’s largest regulated stablecoin network anchored by USDC, Circle Payments Network for global money movement, and Arc, an enterprise-grade blockchain designed to become the Economic OS for the internet. Enterprises, financial institutions, and developers use Circle to power trusted, internet-scale financial innovation. Learn more at circle.com.What you’ll be part of:Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values: High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.What you’ll be responsible for:As Senior Counsel on the Product Legal team, you will provide strategic legal support for the launch and evolution of Arc (the layer-1 blockchain designed by Circle and currently in public testnet) and broader infrastructure initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel, Arc, you will advise on the design and operation of the Arc network, partnering closely with senior leaders across Product, Engineering, Compliance, and Policy to navigate complex global regulatory landscapes. You will anticipate and manage legal risks related to blockchain technologies, smart contracts, and digital asset frameworks, helping ensure Arc aligns with Circle’s vision and commitment to responsible innovation.What you’ll work on:Advise on the design, launch, and governance of the Arc network to ensure legal and regulatory compliance across global markets.Lead regulatory analysis related to blockchain and Web3 infrastructure, with a focus on digital asset, securities, and financial frameworks.Partner with Product, Engineering, Compliance, and Policy to shape blockchain features and smart contract structures aligned with applicable laws.Design and implement legal policies, protocols, and risk mitigation strategies that promote safe and scalable network operations.Shape distributed governance frameworks that align with legal standards and support long-term sustainability of the Arc network.Contribute legal insight and strategic input to Circle’s leadership briefings and regulatory engagement efforts. What you’ll bring to Circle:Core RequirementsJ.D. degree with strong academic credentials and active membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar.10+ years of relevant legal experience, including at a top law firm or in-house at a technology or financial services company. Candidates with fewer years of experience, but significant relevant expertise are also encouraged to apply.Expertise in U.S. financial regulations, including securities, commodities, banking, or payments law.Experience advising on legal risk and compliance considerations for blockchain or digital asset products.Familiarity with legal issues related to smart contracts, token design, or distributed governance models.Demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal frameworks in fast-paced, high-growth environments.Deep knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and related anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions obligations applicable to digital assets and financial technology companies.Experience advising on U.S. and global money transmission laws, including licensing considerations and operational implications.Preferred Requirements:Ability to translate legal guidance into practical recommendations for product and engineering teams.Strong collaboration and communication skills, including experience partnering with cross-functional teams.Exposure to policy, regulatory engagement, or open-source legal frameworks in Web3 or fintech contexts.Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.Base Pay Range: $230,000 - $297,500We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other protected status required by the laws in the locations where we hire. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to View email address on apply.placed-app.com for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.#LI-RemoteJob SummaryJob number: JR100841Profession: Legal