US Legal Counsel

Kiln•New York, NY

4d•$200,000 - $220,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Kiln is the leading staking and DeFi platform, enabling institutions to securely participate in blockchain networks. With operations across the US, Europe, and Asia, Kiln is at the forefront of shaping compliant, innovative solutions for the next generation of financial infrastructure. We are seeking a US Counsel to lead our US legal function and support Kiln’s expansion in the United States. This role combines regulatory, commercial, and product advisory responsibilities, with a focus on ensuring that Kiln’s staking and DeFi offerings are developed and delivered in compliance with applicable US laws. The US Counsel will provide strategic legal guidance across Kiln’s US operations. You will work closely with Compliance, Product, and Business Development teams to ensure compliance with US federal and state regulations, and support Kiln’s engagement with regulators and industry groups. This role is ideal for a lawyer who thrives in fast-moving environments and is passionate about building the legal foundations of Web3.

Requirements

From 4 years of legal experience
ideally including 1 experience in a top law firm
must include at least 1 in-house experience at a fintech or crypto company.
Good understanding of US securities, commodities, and/or payments regulation.
Excellent communication skills; ability to convey complex legal issues in practical, business-friendly terms.
Comfort working cross-functionally with product, compliance, and business teams in a high-growth environment.
JD and admission to practice in at least one US jurisdiction is required.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in digital assets, staking, DeFi, and blockchain-related legal issues is highly preferred.
Familiarity with the regulatory positions and enforcement priorities of the SEC, CFTC, FinCEN, and state regulators.
Experience with regulatory engagement, enforcement matters, or policy advocacy is a plus.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Product team to ensure new offerings are designed in compliance with relevant legal requirements.
Provide legal advice on US federal and state regulatory frameworks applicable to staking and DeFi, including securities, commodities, and money transmission laws.
Monitor and assess developments from the SEC, CFTC, FinCEN, state regulators, and other authorities, advising on their impact to Kiln’s US business.
Support the design of compliant product structures for institutional clients.
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements with counterparties, including institutional clients, custodians, and technology providers.
Work closely with the Compliance team to ensure robust implementation of US AML, OFAC, and sanctions controls.
Advise on liability frameworks, risk disclosures, and contractual protections.
Support Kiln’s engagement with US regulators and industry associations to advocate for clear and innovation-friendly frameworks.
Assist in preparing responses to regulatory inquiries and consultations.