At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate tailored agreements and lead legal support for innovative financial products.
- Company: Join Coinbase, a leader in the future of finance with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, remote work flexibility, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborate with a talented team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving world of crypto and traditional finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with 5+ years in financial services or law.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Ready to do the most impactful work of your career? At Coinbase, we are uncompromising on our mission to increase economic freedom. The bar is high, the environment is intense, and we like it that way. This isn't a place for complacency; it’s a place to be pushed past your perceived limits. If you're ready to build the future of finance alongside people who refuse to settle for 'good enough,' you belong here. Coinbase is a remote-first, but not remote-only company. Expect to get together quarterly for intense in-person working sessions called “surges.”
As Counsel, Commercial on the Institutional Legal team, you'll provide hands-on legal support for Coinbase's institutional products across UK and international markets, covering prime brokerage, exchange, trading, custody, derivatives, and financing. The team is a small, highly experienced group of lawyers from traditional finance and fintech backgrounds, working with banks, brokers, hedge funds, market makers, and other professional trading clients. You'll own the commercial legal work that enables Coinbase to build and scale first-of-a-kind institutional products at the intersection of crypto and traditional global markets.
What you'll do:
- Negotiate highly tailored agreements with strategic partners and sophisticated counterparties in the finance, payments, and digital asset space, including prime brokerage, lending, and derivatives documentation.
- Own full product life-cycle negotiation for institutional products, advising on legal issues, risks, complex agreement structures, and company policies in a compliance-oriented environment.
- Lead cross-functional efforts across Institutional Sales, Business Development, Product/Engineering, Finance/Tax, and Compliance to drive alignment and close deals.
- Build scalable commercial processes and risk frameworks that give the business flexibility to execute on an aggressive global growth plan.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) or licensed attorney with 5+ years of experience at a financial services institution (e.g., bank, e-money issuer, broker-dealer, asset manager) or at a law firm advising such clients.
- Proven track record negotiating and drafting institutional financial agreements, including prime brokerage, securities financing, and/or derivatives documentation (e.g., ISDA, GMSLA, futures agreements).
- Experience providing full life-cycle negotiating for trading, custody, or financing products, including advising on legal risk and commercial structuring.
- Familiarity with UK and/or EU regulatory regimes applicable to financial instruments, with the ability to navigate cross-border legal and regulatory considerations.
- Experience leading legal workstreams across globally distributed, cross-functional teams involving Sales, Product, Engineering, and Compliance stakeholders.
- Utilises generative AI responsibly, maintaining human oversight to deliver business-ready outputs and drive measurable improvements in workflow efficiency, cost, and quality.
Counsel - Financial Services employer: Coinbase
At Coinbase, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment where you can truly make an impact in the financial services sector. Our remote-first culture, combined with quarterly in-person 'surges', ensures that collaboration thrives while offering flexibility. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to pushing boundaries, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside top-tier professionals and contribute to pioneering institutional products at the forefront of the crypto and traditional finance intersection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsel - Financial Services
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Coinbase, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsel - Financial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Coinbase, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Coinbase and the specific role of Counsel - Financial Services. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Coinbase’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coinbase
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Coinbase.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Coinbase.
