Lead Counsel (Hybrid)

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Looking to join a world-class blockchain development team? Ava Labs makes it simple to deploy high-performance solutions for Web3, led by innovations on Avalanche. The company was founded by Cornell computer scientists, who partnered with Wall Street veterans and early Web3 leaders to execute a promising vision for redefining the way people build permissionless networks. Ava Labs is redefining the way people create value with Web3. Join us as we empower people to easily and freely digitize all the world’s assets on one open, programmable blockchain platform

Ava Labs is looking for a lead counsel to be involved with all aspects of the legal, regulatory, compliance and policy functions of the company.  You will join a top-notch team with deep experience and commitment as well as a sense of humor.  If you are ready to bring all of your skills to bear and learn a whole lot, we want to talk to you!

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop and implement legal analysis and strategy to support growth and mitigate risks for Ava Labs and the Avalanche public blockchain
• Provide legal and regulatory support for the development of new and existing products/services, including by advising on securities law, commodities law and sanctions and money transmission regulations as well as day-to-day corporate law and transactional work
• Collaborate on regulatory and legislative policy and advocacy 
• Work on regulatory compliance issues and implementations
• Negotiate partnerships, investments, grants and commercial agreements
• Advise on areas of law relevant to tech startups, including intellectual property and employment
• Manage outside counsel efficiently and effectively, including through education

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• J.D. degree (or foreign equivalent) and membership in at least one US state bar
• 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney
• Experience with blockchain technology and cryptoassets; corporate law; intellectual property law
• Engineering or technical background helpful; ability to learn about new technologies a must
• A proactive attitude and ability to work cross-functionally within the company
• An ability to engage constructively with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills
• Reside in NYC Metropolitan area and ability to work onsite a few days per week

NICE TO HAVE

• Quick learner, voracious reader who can integrate knowledge with practice
• Extremely organized and detail oriented with the ability to see the forest for the trees
• Intellectually curious with a desire to tackle new subjects, dig into new technologies and help move the law and policy in new directions
• Intelligent, diligent, vibrant and willing to be challenged and explore
• Good communications skills, the courage to speak up and the wisdom to weigh circumstances and potential outcomes
• Comfortable working with anyone and the ability to gently persuade or firmly convince
• Interest in building the future of the internet, Web 3.0 and the metaverse
• Global mindset 
• Experience with Fin-Tech

Salary Range: $160,000 to $200,000

(**This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, a final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.)

#LI-Remote #LI-TW1

WHY AVA LABS?

If you've ever thought about joining an early stage Web3 company - this is it! We're a global, world-class team of experts in computer science, economics, finance, marketing, and law with offices in New York City and Miami. We're highly passionate about Web3 and redefining the way people build and use finance and decentralized applications of all kinds. The company received early-stage funding from Andreessen Horowitz, Initialized Capital, and Polychain Capital, with angel investments from Balaji Srinivasan and Naval Ravikant. Join us and be a pioneer in a new technology that will have implications across a range of verticals such as finance, gaming, investing, collectibles, among many others.

Ava Labs is committed to diversity in the workplace and we’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not hire on basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.