Associate General Counsel - NYC

Associate General Counsel OpportunityDigital Asset builds the technologies that are reshaping the foundations of financial markets. Our mission is to create the world's most trusted, privacy-enabled, and interoperable digital infrastructure for global finance. At the heart of this mission is the Canton Network — the blockchain purpose-built for institutional finance. Uniquely combining privacy, compliance, and scalability, Canton enables real-time, secure settlement across multiple asset classes. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York City, with offices in London, Zurich, Budapest, Hong Kong, and Sydney — we are on a mission to transform finance — and that transformation is now playing out rapidly on the Canton Network.

If you're interested in playing a crucial role at the intersection of traditional and crypto-capital markets and want to help bring the next trillion dollars of finance on-chain, join us.We are seeking an Associate General Counsel to join our legal team as the ultimate utility player. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role for a versatile lawyer who can operate across commercial transactions, M&A, securities matters, product and regulatory counseling, and general corporate work. You'll handle everything from complex contract negotiations to new product development to regulatory documentation, while building the scalable legal infrastructure we need as we grow.As our first Associate GC, you'll have broad exposure to all aspects of the business, work directly with executive leadership and the board, and help shape the legal function as we scale rapidly.Key Responsibilities:Lead contract negotiations for high-value customer agreements, strategic partnerships, and complex vendor arrangementsBuild scalable contract infrastructure: Create and revise templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines that enable the business to move faster without proportional legal headcount growthAccelerate revenue: Partner closely with Sales to eliminate legal bottlenecks and support deal velocity while maintaining appropriate risk managementTrain business teams on approved frameworksSupport M&A activity: Lead or support buy-side and sell-side due diligence, transaction structuring, and integration planningManage strategic investments and partnerships requiring complex legal structuringCoordinate with securities counsel on deal documentation, disclosure requirements, and regulatory filingsComfortable with regulatory documentation and reporting requirementsHandle general corporate matters: Board resolutions, subsidiary governance, equity administration, corporate record-keepingPartner with external counsel for any regulatory reporting requirements and documentation as a knowledgeable thought partner and backup resourceServe as legal contact for multiple business functions (Product, Marketing, HR, Finance, as needed)Triage and resolve a wide range of legal issues: employment matters, IP questions, regulatory inquiries, vendor disputes, and other litigations and investigations.Work seamlessly with Deputy General Counsel on specialized matters and operational prioritiesMentor and guide non-legal teams on legal processes and risk frameworksRequired QualificationsDegree from top-tier law school.Active bar admission in New York or ability to waive in4-8 years of experience as a corporate associate at a top law firm (V100 or equivalent) or an in-house counsel at a Fortune 500 company, high-growth crypto, technology, or fintech companyStrong M&A background: Direct experience leading or supporting multiple transactions through closingComfort with regulatory filings and related mattersExcellent contract drafting and negotiation skills with proven ability to balance legal risk and business objectivesGeneralist mindset: Genuine interest in being a utility player who can handle diverse legal matters, including those with which you have little or no experienceEntrepreneurial energy: Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments where you need to figure things outGenuine interest in financial technology, including blockchain, crypto, and on-chain capital marketsStrongly Preferred:In-house experience at a high-growth technology, crypto, or fintech companyExperience building contract templates, playbooks, or legal operations infrastructureFinancial services or fintech regulatory knowledge (payments, banking, capital markets)Personal Attributes:Versatile and adaptable: Can switch contexts quickly and handle whatever comes your wayBusiness-savvy: Understands commercial realities and provides pragmatic, solutions-oriented adviceProactive and self-directed: Identifies problems before they escalate and takes initiative without waiting for directionCollaborative: Works effectively across functions and builds trust with business partnersResilient: Comfortable with the intensity and unpredictability of a growth-stage startupExcellent judgment: Knows when to escalate, when to push back, and when to say yesTarget Profile:Corporate associate at a top-tier law firm (V100 or equivalent)4-8 years out, likely midlevel to senior associateStrong M&A or general corporate practice but wanting in-house transitionMay come from firms' capital markets, securities, or general corporate groupsWhat Success Looks Like in Year One:Commercial contract improvements: Clean documentation, consistent positions, reduction in negotiation periods and time to closingBuilding towards scalable self-service tools: Meaningful progress towards allowing the Sales team to execute standard agreements with minimal legal reviewM&A capability established: Led or supported at least one transaction (if opportunity arises)Business partner satisfaction high: Legal seen as enabling growth, not blocking itWe offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our team members. Health and insurance benefits vary by region to ensure local relevance and compliance, and may include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Digital Asset is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. If and as required by applicable law, all persons hired to work at Digital Asset will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the location for which they have an offer to work and to complete the necessary employment eligibility verification documents upon hire. Applicants with disabilities who require accommodation should contact part of our commitment to equal opportunity, Digital Asset believes that all employees should receive equal pay for equal work and is committed to this principle in its pay structure. DA also offers family-friendly benefits in addition to flexible work arrangements. Pay Transparency: The estimated salary range for this role, based in our New York City office, is $225,000-275,000.

The range may vary if based outside the New York tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). Base salaries are determined during our interview process, during which we assess the candidate's experience, skills, and capabilities against internal peers and the scope and responsibilities of the position.