Head of Legal

About:

At XMTP Labs, we're reimagining the future of decentralized, secure, and portable messaging. We believe that privacy is an inalienable and universal right.

We're committed to creating a powerful communication protocol that is truly open to all. In our vision, users not only own and control their own identity and data, but also benefit economically from their participation, all while breaking free from single-entity control. Our mission at XMTP Labs is to build a secure, open, and decentralized communication protocol that connects creators, communities, applications, and users. If this mission speaks to you, let's build the future of messaging together.

We’re backed by some of the best investors in tech and crypto: a16z Crypto, Offline Ventures, Sound Ventures, Distributed Global, Redpoint, IDEO CoLab and many more key ecosystem investors and operators. See the full list here.

As the Head of Legal at XMTP Labs, you are a corporate generalist and web3 specialist. Your experience spans securities and tokenomics, privacy and encryption, decentralization, and the evolving global regulatory landscape of web3, with in-depth knowledge in at least one or two of these areas. In partnership with our leadership team and alongside external counsel, you will serve as the operational and strategic legal guide as we expand our company and our protocol.

Experience and Qualifications:

• 10+ years of legal experience, with expertise in privacy and security, decentralized technology, tokenomics and governance, and the web3 regulatory space
• Have been a part of a TGE (Token Generation Event) at a previous employer
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, law firm experience a plus.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Experience in the dynamic web3 space is crucial.
• Familiarity with legal issues and regulations specific to the crypto and blockchain industry.
• Experience managing or working with outside counsel.
• Have been a part of a start-up and are a self starter, able to balance competing priorities in a fast paced culture

Responsibilities:

• Legal Strategy and Leadership: Craft and execute a legal strategy that aligns with our company's vision and goals.
• Compliance and Documentation: Manage internal compliance, including employment agreements, equity grants, and essential documentation, ensuring alignment with evolving regulations and best practices.
• Web3 Expertise: Leverage your comprehensive understanding of the Web3 ecosystem, blockchain technology, and decentralized applications to inform legal decisions.
• Token Generation: Oversee and provide legal guidance around legal implications to the business through a TGE
• Dynamic Regulatory Landscape: Maintain a pulse on the shifting regulatory environment related to cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and decentralized applications, developing strategies to effectively address global regulatory challenges.
• Entity Management: Direct the legal structuring of for-profit and nonprofit entities, ensuring compliance and facilitating governance frameworks.
• Privacy and Encryption: Advise on privacy and encryption, ensuring adherence to data protection laws and implementing comprehensive data privacy policies.
• GDPR Compliance: Guarantee compliance with GDPR and other international data protection regulations.
• Partnership and Vendor Agreements: Support the Go-to-Market team by providing legal oversight for partnership and vendor contracts, negotiating and reviewing agreements to protect the company's interests.

Benefits

• Generous and competitive compensation package
• Salary range between $250-300k range (depending on experience + location)
• Remote-first environment with semi-yearly gatherings to connect IRL
• Full paid Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Parental Leave
• IT Equipment and WFH setup
• Monthly Wellness and Lifestyle stipend
• Personal assistant
• Flexible vacation (with minimum requirements to ensure rest and time-off to pursue your passions outside of work)
• And much more!

Culture

We think of ourselves as a “grown-up” startup—building a company that’s fair, equitable, and rewarding for everyone to work at, with an emphasis on having fun while building an ambitious project. Joining XMTP Labs today repr