At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead negotiations and manage complex legal agreements in a fast-paced fintech environment.
- Company: YouLend, a top embedded financing platform powering major brands like Stripe and Etsy.
- Benefits: Stock options, private medical insurance, enhanced parental leave, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with excellent career growth and a focus on diversity.
- Why this job: Join an award-winning legal team and make a real impact in a high-growth fintech.
- Qualifications: US-qualified lawyer with 3-5 years' experience in corporate or fintech law.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
About Us
YouLend is a leading embedded financing platform enabling companies like Stripe, Etsy, GoDaddy and Grubhub to offer flexible funding to their SME customers. Our technology and APIs power seamless, fast financing at scale. Operating across 9+ markets in the US, UK and EU, we’re continuing to scale quickly, especially in the US—doubling year-on-year—and redefining how financing is delivered.
The Role
We’re hiring a US-qualified Legal Counsel to support YouLend’s rapidly scaling US business—offering a unique chance to work on a high-growth, startup-like trajectory, backed by the infrastructure and reach of a global fintech. You’ll sit at the centre of our fast-growing US business, working on complex, high-impact matters across commercial, product, regulatory and corporate law. It’s a rare opportunity to combine the ownership and development opportunities of a startup with the backing of an established, global platform.
You will be:
- Lead negotiations on major US partnerships with global e-commerce platform and payment service providers
- Draft and manage complex commercial and partnership agreements
- Partner with product, tech, sales and commercial teams to deliver pragmatic legal advice
- Navigate US fintech regulation and help shape scalable product structures
- Support new product launches and evolve our SME financing offerings
- Oversee US corporate governance and structuring
You have:
- US-qualified lawyer (NY or CA preferred), 3–5 years’ experience (corporate, M&A, financing, fintech or regulatory) from a top law firm
- Strong commercial instinct and interest in fintech / embedded finance
- Experience with complex transactions and cross-functional work
- Adaptable, fast-learning and comfortable in a high-growth environment
The following would be useful:
- Fintech or in-house experience
- US financial regulatory exposure (especially SME financing)
- Capital markets / banking experience
- Cross-border transactional experience
Why join YouLend?
- Award-winning legal team: Won "In-House Banking & Financial Services Team of the Year" at The Lawyer Awards 2024. Shortlisted at the British Legal Awards 2024 hosted by Law.com International for In-House Legal Team of the Year and General Counsel of the Year.
- Award-Winning Workplace: YouLend has been recognised as one of the “Best Places to Work 2024” by the Sunday Times for being a supportive, diverse, and rewarding workplace.
- Award-Winning Fintech: YouLend has been recognised as a “Top 250 Fintech Worldwide” by CNBC.
We offer comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Stock Options
- Private Medical insurance via Vitality EAP with Health Assured
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Modern and sophisticated office space in Central London
- Free Gym in office building in Holborn
- Subsidised Lunch via Feedr
- Deliveroo Allowance if working late in office
- Monthly in-office Masseuse
- Team and Company Socials
- Football Power League / Squash Club
At YouLend, we champion diversity and embrace equal opportunity employment practices. Our hiring, transfer, and promotion decisions are exclusively based on qualifications, merit, and business requirements, free from any discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, nationality, or any other protected basis under applicable law.
Legal Counsel - US Qualified employer: YouLend Limited
Contact Detail:
YouLend Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - US Qualified
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space, especially those who might know someone at YouLend. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into YouLend's business model and recent news. Show us you’re not just another candidate but someone genuinely interested in how we’re reshaping financing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Legal Counsel, you'll be leading negotiations, so role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and agreements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - US Qualified
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in fintech and any relevant regulatory knowledge, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your journey! Include specific examples of complex transactions you've handled or partnerships you've negotiated. This helps us gauge your commercial instinct and adaptability in a high-growth environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
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, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at YouLend Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on US fintech regulations and the specifics of embedded finance. Familiarise yourself with YouLend's business model and how it operates within the e-commerce space. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company itself.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with complex transactions and cross-functional work. Be ready to share specific examples where you've successfully navigated legal challenges in a fast-paced environment, especially in fintech or corporate law.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about YouLend’s growth trajectory and how the legal team supports product launches. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success.
✨Be Adaptable
Highlight your adaptability and willingness to learn. In a high-growth environment like YouLend, being flexible and open to new challenges is crucial. Share instances where you've had to pivot quickly and how you handled it.