Senior Transactions Counsel: M&A & FinTech AI

Circle; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Circle is seeking an experienced transactional attorney to lead complex deals across Corporate Development, Ventures, and Financial Partnerships. The role emphasizes mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and bank-related agreements within a fast-moving digital asset environment.

You will independently drive transactions from inception to closing, collaborate with multiple teams, and shape AI-driven processes while maintaining rigorous legal judgment and client service.

Qualifications

• J.D. or foreign equivalent and active membership in good standing of at least one U.S. State Bar.
• 7+ years of transactional legal experience at a leading law firm or in-house setting.
• Substantial experience with M&A and corporate/financial services transactions.
• Strong ability to coordinate cross-functional stakeholders.
• Familiarity with generative AI in legal workflows and risk considerations.
• Passion for Circle’s mission and fintech focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, asset purchases, and other strategic transactions from inception to closing.
• Advise on ventures, strategic partnerships, and financing arrangements.
• Draft and negotiate complex agreements with banks and financial institutions.
• Coordinate with Legal, Regulatory, Tax, and Product teams and outside counsel.
• Develop AI-enabled workflows and playbooks for the Transactions team.
• Ensure accuracy, privilege, and confidentiality in AI-assisted outputs.

Skills

M&A experience

Corporate transactions

Financial services agreements

Negotiation

AI in legal workflows

Due diligence

Education

J.D. or foreign equivalent

Tools

AI prompts/templates

Job description

Circle is seeking an experienced transactional attorney to lead complex deals across Corporate Development, Ventures, and Financial Partnerships. The role emphasizes mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and bank-related agreements within a fast-moving digital asset environment.

You will independently drive transactions from inception to closing, collaborate with multiple teams, and shape AI-driven processes while maintaining rigorous legal judgment and client service.