Associate Counsel, Technology

Summary

Topstep is seeking an experienced Associate Counsel, Technology to join its dynamic Legal team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Associate Counsel will provide legal support across the company’s fintech, trading evaluation, and tech offerings, with a focus on regulatory and standards compliance in data privacy and cybersecurity matters and product development support. The ideal candidate will have 4-6 years of legal experience (whether in-house or at a law firm) advising fintech companies, trading firms, or SaaS providers, with a strong understanding of data privacy and cybersecurity matters applicable to a fast-growing tech platform.

This is an excellent opportunity for a pragmatic, business-oriented lawyer to work cross-functionally with product engineering, cybersecurity, leadership, and compliance teams to support innovation while managing legal and regulatory risk.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Manage outside counsel as needed for specialized matters.

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 technology transactions and privacy and data security compliance, including GDPR, CCPA, GLBA, and other state data privacy laws and related regulations and global data protection frameworks.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Familiarity with global privacy compliance, cross-border data transfers, and emerging privacy regulations.

Core Competencies

Legal Expertise: Deep understanding of privacy and cybersecurity compliance and risk mitigation.

Oral Communication: Communicates compliance 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 compliance risks and root causes; develops effective solutions within business and legal constraints.

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

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

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

Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in compliance monitoring, documentation, and reporting.

Language Skills

Reads and interprets complex regulatory documents, compliance manuals, legal guidance, and correspondence. Writes clear compliance reports and policies. Communicates effectively with regulators and internal stakeholders.

Reasoning Ability

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

Computer Skills

Proficiency with compliance and audit software, transaction monitoring systems, Google Drive and Docs, and CRM platforms. Ability to learn new compliance 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 

• $165,000 - $190,000.

• 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!