Counsel II, Capital Markets

Affirm; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 164,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Stipends for tech setup

Flexible time off

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

affirm seeks a Counsel II, Capital Markets to support its Corporate Affairs strategy. You will draft and negotiate complex capital markets documents, advise on securities regulations, and coordinate with bank partnerships to expand financing sources.

The role requires 5+ years of law-firm experience, JD and bar admission, with a preference for in-house fintech exposure. This remote-friendly position offers a competitive base salary and equity in a fast-growing company.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant law-firm experience, with in-house preferred.
• JD degree from a well-regarded law school and membership in good standing in a US state bar.
• Experience in structured and/or debt finance—term, revolving, asset-based lending; warehouse and asset-backed financing; loan sales; securitizations; and creative funding.
• Outstanding integrity and work ethic.
• Excellent business judgment and interpersonal skills to negotiate with external and internal customers.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, maturity, proactivity, and a positive attitude.
• Proven experience as a key contributing member of a high performing team.
• Self-motivation and willingness to take ownership of projects; self-starter; able to work solo or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Support the capital markets team in building out the company’s network of capital sources and strategies, including capital markets international expansion
• Support the bank partnerships team in building out the company's network of originating and card issuing partner banks
• Guide each financing transaction or initiative from a legal perspective, from strategy discussions to deal execution
• Draft, review and negotiate all US and international capital markets deal documents, including credit and security agreements, loan sale agreements, indentures, officer certificates, board and shareholder resolutions, and side letters
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of lending and securities laws and regulations relating to capital markets transactions
• Communicate legal advice in a clear, concise, and timely manner
• Provide assistance with respect to other special projects

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Client communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

At affirm, we exist for the moments that matter—giving people a clear, predictable way to pay over time, with no hidden fees, no surprises, and no tradeoffs on what matters most.

About The Legal, Compliance, And Public Affairs Team

The Legal, Compliance, and Public Affairs team is a group of dedicated professionals committed to helping affirm scale, innovate, and provide outstanding products for consumers, merchants, and key partners. We combine legal, compliance, and policy expertise to guide growth, shape products, and build trust across our ecosystem. Our work spans multiple professional disciplines and provides the foundation for affirm’s mission to deliver honest financial products.

About The Role

Our legal team is looking to add a Counsel II, Capital Markets to our growing Corporate Affairs function. This lawyer will help support broad-based efforts to build a diversified capitalization strategy. One should have a robust understanding of financing and corporate transactions, along with a desire to learn and grow in a legal role focused on capital markets and finance. In addition, this lawyer should have outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills, be capable of prioritizing responsibilities, and have the desire to work with internal and external customers. This attorney will report to the Director, Capital Markets Counsel and work closely with affirm’s capital markets and bank partnerships business teams.

What You’ll Do

• Support the capital markets team in building out the company’s network of capital sources and strategies, including capital markets international expansion
• Support the bank partnerships team in building out the company's network of originating and card issuing partner banks
• Guide each financing transaction or initiative from a legal perspective, from strategy discussions to deal execution
• Draft, review and negotiate all US and international capital markets deal documents, including credit and security agreements, loan sale agreements, indentures, officer certificates, board and shareholder resolutions, and side letters
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of lending and securities laws and regulations relating to capital markets transactions
• Communicate legal advice in a clear, concise, and timely manner
• Provide assistance with respect to other special projects

What We Look For

• 5+ years of relevant law-firm experience, and we'd prefer some additional in-house experience (particularly if it's from a high-growth fintech start-up)
• JD degree from a well-regarded law school and membership (in good standing) in a US state bar
• Previous legal experience in structured and/or debt finance--term, revolving, and asset-based lending; warehouse and asset-backed financing; loan sales; securitizations; and creative forms of funding
• Outstanding integrity and work ethic
• Excellent business judgment and interpersonal skills, to facilitate negotiations with external and internal customers
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, maturity, an eye for business, proactivity, and an excellent attitude
• Proven experience as a key contributing member of a high performing team
• Self-motivation and a willingness to take ownership of projects
• Natural self-starter, with the ability to work efficiently (both solo and as part of a team)

Pay Grade

M

Equity Grade

6

Employees new to affirm typically come in at the start of the pay range. affirm focuses on providing a simple and transparent pay structure which is based on a variety of factors, including location, experience and job-related skills.

Base pay is part of a total compensation package that may include equity rewards, monthly stipends for health, wellness and tech spending, and benefits (including 100% subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision for you and your dependents.)

USA base pay range (CA, WA, NY, NJ, CT) per year: $185,000 - $245,000

USA base pay range (all other U.S. states) per year: $164,000 - $224,000

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Remote-first with flexibility built in

affirm is proud to be a remote-first company. Most roles can be done from almost anywhere within the country of employment. Some positions may occasionally require in-person work at an affirm office, and a few are office-based due to the nature of the work. All new hires will be invited to attend an in-person onboarding experience.

Benefits Designed For You

• Health coverage at no cost: We cover 100% of premiums for employees and their dependents.
• Spending stipends: Monthly stipends support your tech setup, and the ability to choose health and wellness options that are right for you.
• Time off to recharge: Flexible time off and generous holiday calendars help you rest when you need to.
• Own a piece of what you build: Our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) lets you buy affirm stock at a discount.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive interview process, including accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you need support, we’re happy to help.

For positions based in San Francisco or Los Angeles: affirm considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, as required by law.