At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate commercial agreements while advising on cutting-edge digital asset projects.
- Company: Join R3, a leader in bridging traditional finance and decentralised finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity, and benefits with real autonomy from day one.
- Other info: Work closely with innovative clients and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of tokenisation and digital assets in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5+ years PQE and knowledge of DeFi and Web3.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About R3
We're 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.
The Role
You’ll be R3’s day-to-day legal partner. Own commercial contracting end-to-end, advise on go-to-market activity, and help shape the legal framework for products at the cutting edge of tokenisation, digital assets and Web3. High-visibility, high-autonomy. You’ll work close to product and revenue in a fast-moving environment, developing expertise in one of the most exciting areas of the financial technology landscape.
What You’ll Do
- Draft, negotiate and manage the full spectrum of commercial agreements: SaaS licences, MSAs, partnership and reseller arrangements, NDAs, DPAs and DORA addendums.
- Represent R3 in discussions and negotiations with the independent Foundation which governs the Protocol we are building, being highly collaborative day‑to‑day whilst ensuring R3’s interests are protected.
- Be the trusted legal partner to sales, business development and marketing, moving at commercial pace, structuring deals creatively, and giving commercial advice that moves things forward.
- 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 – that enables the business to move faster within sensible risk tolerance.
- Manage external counsel where instructed, keeping it focused and cost‑effective.
What You’ll Bring
Essential:
- 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, 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.
Desirable
- 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/CTF).
- Experience with UK GDPR, IP licensing or open‑source software issues.
- Prior in‑house experience at a tech, fintech or financial services business.
Why R3
- Real 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.
Corporate Counsel in London employer: SOLANA FOUNDATION
At R3, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that offers real autonomy and a front-row seat in the rapidly evolving tokenisation and digital assets landscape. Our culture values pragmatism and ownership, providing you with the opportunity to directly influence our operations and go-to-market strategies. With competitive salaries, equity options, and a commitment to employee growth, R3 is the ideal place for legal professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the fintech sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Counsel in London
✨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 SOLANA FOUNDATION, 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 Corporate Counsel in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at SOLANA FOUNDATION, 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 SOLANA FOUNDATION and the specific role of Corporate Counsel. 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 SOLANA FOUNDATION’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at SOLANA FOUNDATION
✨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 SOLANA FOUNDATION.
✨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 SOLANA FOUNDATION.
