Legal Counsel

**About the job** Our client is a fast\-growing Web3 startup of circa 20 employees, operating across multiple jurisdictions and supporting crypto wallets, digital asset exchanges, and tokenisation platforms. They are building compliant, scalable infrastructure for the next generation of digital finance, and are now looking to hire a Legal Counsel to support that growth. This is a broad, high\-impact role with direct exposure to founders and senior leadership. You will take ownership of legal across regulatory, commercial, and cross\-border matters, while managing two junior team members and playing a key role in building out the legal function from an early stage. International candidates with experience in the UAE will be considered. **Key Responsibilities** Regulatory \& Crypto\-Specific Legal * Advise on local and international crypto regulations, including: * VARA (UAE) * MiCA (EU) * SEC, CFTC, FinCEN (USA) * FATF, VASP, and AML/KYC guidelines * Provide legal guidance on tokenisation structures, whitepapers, and tokenomics models * Support legal structuring for wallet infrastructure, token issuance, exchange integrations, and custody services * Lead or support crypto exchange licensing applications and regulatory engagement globally **Corporate \& Commercial Legal** * Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including: * SaaS agreements * Token platform partnerships * Licensing \& IP agreements * Vendor, reseller, and B2B service agreements * Advise on company law matters including governance, structuring, and international subsidiaries * Support entity set\-up in crypto\-friendly jurisdictions (BVI, Cayman, UAE Free Zones) * Manage legal documentation across fundraising, investor agreements, and SAFE/SAFT structures **Employment \& Workplace Compliance** * Advise on employment law, contractor agreements, and HR policies * Ensure compliance with UAE labour law and relevant international frameworks * Draft employment contracts, incentive structures, and IP/confidentiality agreements **Cross\-Border Legal Strategy** * Build frameworks for cross\-border compliance, risk management, and data transfer (GDPR, DPDP) * Monitor global regulatory developments and provide proactive legal guidance * Manage external counsel across multiple jurisdictions **Requirements** * Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent) and qualified in at least one jurisdiction * 5–10 years PQE across crypto or fintech regulation, commercial contracts, and corporate law * Strong understanding of token classification, licensing, AML/KYC, and data privacy * Exposure to cross\-border legal work and multi\-jurisdictional environments * Strong drafting, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills * Comfortable operating in a fast\-paced startup environment **Good to Have** * Experience in Web3 or crypto environments * Exposure to DAO structures, smart contracts, and blockchain IP * Familiarity with UAE, EU, UK, US, or APAC regulatory frameworks * Experience with hybrid legal structures (onshore/offshore) * Exposure to equity or token\-based incentive plans **What Our Client Offers** * Competitive salary with strong upside potential * Direct exposure to founders and senior leadership, with real influence over strategic decisions * Opportunity to build and shape the legal function in a high\-growth startup environment * Involvement in complex, cross\-border regulatory matters across major global jurisdictions * Work on cutting\-edge projects across tokenisation, digital assets, and emerging financial infrastructure * Fast\-paced, entrepreneurial culture with genuine autonomy and ownership * International exposure working with regulators, partners, and clients globally