Overview
Join to apply for the Special Counsel, Transactions role at Circle.
Circle is a financial technology company at the epicenter of the emerging internet of money, where value can travel globally, nearly instantly and less expensively than legacy settlement systems. Our infrastructure – including USDC, a blockchain-based dollar – helps businesses, institutions and developers harness these breakthroughs and capitalize on this major turning point in the evolution of money and technology.
Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow, we expand into new jurisdictions. We value: High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible and diverse work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Under the direction of the Assistant General Counsel - Transactions, play an immediate and direct role in commercial transactional work, supporting global Business teams as new products are offered and markets are expanded.
- Be a trusted partner to Circle’s Business, Compliance, and Finance teams, building strong internal communication with stakeholders.
- Structure, negotiate, and draft fintech, payments, blockchain transactions, addressing legal risk in business-centric ways to strengthen partnerships and advance opportunities.
- Support the creation and expansion of contract templates and terms of use to reflect new and existing products and services.
- Aid in developing and implementing processes, procedures and metrics (including efficient contracting processes) to increase the overall effectiveness of legal services.
- Address legal risk in business-centric ways, developing processes to solve problems, strengthening partnerships and advancing opportunities.
- Assist business leaders with contract interpretation and management.
- Stay up-to-date on relevant finance, payments and digital currency space to provide sound marketing compliance advice.
What You’ll Bring To Circle
- 5+ years of practical, hands-on legal experience; both law firm (AM Law 50) and in-house experience are preferred.
- Experience drafting and negotiating fintech, financial services and tech agreements.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on strategic partnerships, with a focus on Business and Compliance teams.
- Experience advising clients on risk mitigation across technology product platforms.
- Passion for financial technology and the potential of cryptocurrency and blockchains; a team player with a sense of humor, and a willingness to learn.
- A strategic approach to use legal expertise to achieve Circle’s goals.
- Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas in an understandable way for clients to act on.
- A commercial orientation to keep business objectives in mind while working with colleagues.
- A strong sense of accountability to own actions and decisions.
- Comfort with an evolving environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to leverage AI tools to streamline routine tasks while exercising independent legal judgment and ensuring accuracy and risk mitigation.
- Sound, practical business judgment in legal recommendations; creative problem-solving balanced with risk.
- Ability to work autonomously with guidance, and also collaboratively as part of a team.
- JD required (preferably with honors) and active membership in at least one state bar.
- Proficiency in Google Suite, ChatGPT, Slack and Apple MacOS preferred.
Compensation and EEO
Base Pay Range: $180,000 - $237,500.
Circle is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We participate in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law. If you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process due to a disability, please contact for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.
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