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

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 · BlockchainKey Responsibilities:Advise fintech companies, banks, and institutional clients on federal and state regulatory requirements, including licensing, compliance frameworks, and bank partnership structuresCounsel clients on payments regulation, money transmission laws, and the evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets, cryptocurrency, and blockchain-based productsLead and support M&A transactions, strategic investments, and capital markets activities involving fintech and financial services companiesDraft and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including bank partnership agreements, program manager agreements, and technology contractsMonitor and analyze regulatory developments across key agencies (including the CFPB, OCC, Federal Reserve, FinCEN, CFTC, SEC, and state regulators) and provide actionable guidanceCollaborate with cross-functional teams on domestic and cross-border transactions and regulatory mattersQualifications:J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials3–5 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 bothKnowledge of payments, digital assets, cryptocurrency regulation, or emerging fintech business models strongly preferredAdmission to the New York and/or California Bar, or eligibility for admissionExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory concepts into practical adviceEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environmentCompensation & Benefits:Cravath-scale base salary, commensurate with class yearEligibility for discretionary performance-based bonusComprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement planGenerous paid time off and parental leaveProfessional development and advancement opportunities