At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate commercial agreements while supporting innovative projects in DeFi and Web3.
- Company: Join R3, a leader bridging traditional finance and decentralised finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy high autonomy, competitive salary, equity, and benefits from day one.
- Other info: Experience a culture that values ownership and pragmatism in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital assets and work with top institutional clients.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5+ years PQE and knowledge of digital assets and DeFi.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are building the on-ramp for the next trillion dollars of assets to move on-chain. R3 bridges TradFi and DeFi through institutional-grade RWA yield vaults, fully composable and integrated into Solana DeFi.
Responsibilities:
- Draft, negotiate and manage the full spectrum of commercial agreements: SaaS licenses, MSAs, partnership and reseller arrangements, NDAs, DPAs and DORA addenda.
- Represent R3 in discussions and negotiations with the independent Foundation which governs the Protocol we are building, collaborating day-to-day while protecting R3's interests.
- Act as the trusted legal partner to sales, business development and marketing, moving at commercial pace, structuring deals creatively, and providing commercial advice that advances business goals.
- Review product, marketing and GTM collateral for legal and regulatory risk.
- Support strategic projects in tokenisation, DeFi and Web3, bringing in external counsel where needed.
- Build the infrastructure — templates, playbooks, internal guidance — to enable the business to move faster within sensible risk tolerances.
- Manage external counsel where instructed, keeping engagements focused and cost-effective.
Qualifications:
- You are a qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction with the right to practice in the UK), with 5+ years PQE from private practice, in-house, or both.
- Solid general commercial law experience, with a proven track record of drafting technology contracts, ideally in a financial environment.
- Working knowledge of digital assets, DeFi and Web3, including familiarity with on-chain product structures such as yield vaults, token frameworks, and SPV/fund-wrapper arrangements used in RWA tokenisation.
- Sharp commercial instincts; you find solutions, not blockers.
- Proven ability to support fast-moving sales and marketing teams: prioritising hard requirements, pushing back when needed, delivering under pressure.
- Confident operating as the only lawyer in the room, while knowing when to escalate.
- Clear communicator who can translate legal complexity into plain guidance.
- Background in traditional financial services or financial market infrastructure (TradFi) in either private practice or in-house.
- Experience advising on token generation events (TGEs) or utility token structures, and familiarity with relevant UK, EU or US regulatory frameworks (e.g. UK financial promotions regime, MiCA, MAS, MAR, AML/CFT).
- Experience with UK GDPR, IP licensing or open-source software issues.
- Prior in-house experience at a tech, fintech or financial services business.
Benefits:
- High autonomy from day one — your work will directly shape how we operate and go to market.
- A front-row seat on the tokenisation and digital assets space, working with leading institutional clients and partners.
- A culture that values pragmatism and ownership over process.
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits.
Senior Corporate Counsel employer: R3
At R3, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that empowers our employees with high autonomy and the opportunity to shape the future of digital assets. Our collaborative culture values pragmatism and ownership, providing a dynamic environment where you can thrive while working alongside leading institutional clients in the exciting fields of tokenisation and DeFi. With competitive salaries, equity options, and a commitment to employee growth, R3 is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Corporate Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and fintech space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with commercial agreements and digital assets. Share insights on LinkedIn about recent trends in DeFi and tokenisation. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also gets you noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Be ready to discuss how you've creatively structured deals in the past. Use real examples to illustrate your sharp commercial instincts and ability to support fast-paced teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in traditional financial services and your understanding of regulatory frameworks. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Corporate Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Corporate Counsel role. Highlight your experience with commercial agreements and any relevant work in DeFi or digital assets. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're building at R3!
Show Off Your Legal Skills:When drafting your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your legal expertise. Mention specific types of agreements you've worked on, like SaaS licenses or NDAs, and how you’ve navigated complex negotiations. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use plain language to explain your experiences and achievements, especially when discussing legal complexities. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at R3!
How to prepare for a job interview at R3
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial law, especially around technology contracts and digital assets. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that showcase your expertise in drafting and negotiating agreements like SaaS licenses and NDAs.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Demonstrate your sharp commercial instincts by preparing to discuss how you've creatively structured deals in the past. Think about scenarios where you’ve supported sales or marketing teams under pressure and be ready to share those stories.
✨Familiarise Yourself with DeFi and Web3
Since this role involves tokenisation and DeFi, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of these concepts. Research R3's work and be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their mission in bridging TradFi and DeFi.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face hypothetical situations during the interview. Practice articulating how you would handle legal risks in product marketing or negotiations. This will show your ability to think on your feet and provide practical solutions.
