Associate Counsel

Summary

Topstep is on the hunt for a dynamic, driven Associate Counsel ready to dive in and make things happen as a corporate generalist on our fast moving Legal team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you'll take real ownership of broad based legal support spanning corporate governance, commercial contracting, litigation management, and technology matters across our fintech, trading evaluation, and tech offerings. 

We're looking for a sharp, experienced attorney who brings 4 to 6 years of corporate, transaction, and commercial legal experience (whether in house or at a law firm) advising fintech, SaaS, or similar businesses. You should have solid grounding in commercial contracting, corporate governance, and data privacy and cybersecurity matters, and the drive to keep pace with a platform that never stops growing.

If you're a pragmatic, business minded generalist who thrives on variety, loves solving problems on the fly, and wants a real seat at the table, this is your opportunity. You'll work cross functionally with product engineering, cybersecurity, trader support, procurement, leadership, and compliance teams, helping drive the business forward while managing legal and regulatory risk every step of the way.

Preference will be given to Chicago applicants. 

Key Responsibilities

• Manage outside counsel as needed for specialized matters. 
• Draft, review, and maintain user-facing documentation, including terms of service, privacy policies, acceptable use policies, trader agreements, and related disclosures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate SaaS agreements, software licensing agreements, vendor contracts, and other technology-related commercial agreements, including data processing agreements.
• Draft and review general corporate documentation, including helping to organize minute books.
• Help manage litigation and subpoena requests.
• Provide legal counsel on a broad range of matters impacting Topstep’s product development and engineering team.
• Advise Topstep’s cybersecurity and privacy team on data privacy and cybersecurity matters, including on potential data security incidents and data security access requests.
• Serve as legal resource to the trader support team on trader rules, account eligibility requirements, trader agreement interpretation, and rule application.
• Conduct legal research and provide practical advice to leadership on legal risks, regulatory trends, and contract matters.
• Participate in training initiatives and presentations to internal teams regarding legal and compliance topics. 

Required Qualifications and Key Competencies

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 4-6 years of legal experience either in-house or at a mid-to-large law firm, with a focus on corporate, commercial, and technology transactions.
• Solid experience drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, and other technology-related commercial agreements, and vendor contracts applicable to a SaaS or fintech organization.
• Experience with general corporate governance matters, including entity maintenance and minute book organization.
• Strong business acumen and ability to provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing demands.
• History of taking on work beyond the immediate ask, such as improving a process, template, or workflow without being told to
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, document management systems, and collaboration tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in-house counsel experience at a fintech company, trading firm, or SaaS provider, or prior experience at a mid-to-large law firm advising clients in these sectors.
• Experience supporting product development teams in agile or fast-paced fintech or SaaS environments.
• Track record of building relationships across departments to keep deals and projects moving without waiting on lengthy approval chains.
• Familiarity with global privacy compliance, and emerging privacy regulations, including experience with privacy and data security compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, GLBA, and other state data privacy laws) and related regulations.

Core Competencies

Legal Expertise: Deep understanding of contracting, corporate governance, and privacy and cybersecurity matters.

Oral Communication: Communicates legal requirements clearly and persuasively; explains regulatory obligations to stakeholders.

Written Communication: Writes clear, professional contracts and policies; tailors messaging for internal and external audiences.

Problem-Solving: Identifies legal risks and root causes; develops effective solutions within business and legal constraints.

Professionalism: Handles sensitive matters with discretion and integrity; acts with sound judgment; delivers on commitments.

Adaptability: Responds effectively to regulatory and business changes; adjusts approach as legal and business needs evolve.

Teamwork: Collaborates across departments; builds partnerships to support a strong compliance culture.

Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in drafting and reporting.

Language Skills

Reads and interprets complex regulatory documents, contracts, laws and regulations, legal guidance, and correspondence. Writes clear contracts and policies. Communicates effectively with regulators and internal stakeholders.

Reasoning Ability

Applies critical thinking to evaluate legal risks and challenges; develops logical solutions that balance regulatory requirements and business needs.

Computer Skills

Proficiency with Google Drive and Docs, and CRM platforms. Ability to learn new technologies quickly.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to multitask in a dynamic environment. Strong organizational and project management skills. Comfortable working under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.

Company Culture & Perks

• Topstep is an engaging working environment that ranges from fully remote to hybrid. We foster a culture of collaboration by keeping cameras on during meetings and maintaining a robust Slack environment for communication. 
• Seven Company-paid Holidays and generous Family Leave. Paid time off is front-loaded.
• Competitive 401(k) matching, health, dental, and vision insurance are offered for full-time employees.
• Vacations are encouraged with a bonus for taking 5 consecutive days. Topstep offers a food and groceries budget and contributes towards health and wellness. 

New Hire Base Salary Range 

• $185,000 - $210,000.
• The compensation offered will take into account the internal compensation structure and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.
• This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Topstep is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are valued. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Interested in the role? Apply today with your resume!

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Notice of Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment and Hiring: Notice Pursuant to 775 ILCS 5/2-102(L). Topstep LLC uses artificial intelligence ("AI") in connection with its recruitment and hiring process. Examples include, but are not limited to, AI tools used to improve job descriptions, generate interview questions, draft communications, assist with scheduling, and source candidates, as well as AI features built into third-party platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Topstep will not use AI that has the effect of subjecting employees or applicants to discrimination on the basis of any protected class under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

The collection, use, and handling of your data provided in response to this job posting is described further in our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please review our California Notice at Collection.