Apply on Employer Site

Akuna Capital · 1 day ago

Legal Counsel

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm specializing in providing liquidity as an options market-maker. As Legal Counsel, you will lead the North American legal function, overseeing various legal areas and partnering closely with senior management and business teams.

Trading Platform

Responsibilities

Lead negotiation and oversight of trading, vendor, and market-facing agreements while establishing consistent firmwide contracting standards

Oversee corporate governance documents, intercompany agreements, and shareholder matters to support global operational and tax structures

Advise senior leadership on legal risks and considerations related to new markets, trading products, technologies, and strategic initiatives

Monitor and interpret U.S. and international regulatory developments, providing clear guidance on operational and compliance impacts

Support venture investments and corporate transactions, including documentation, diligence, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders

Oversee global insurance programs and policy reviews across liability, property, EPLI, FI bond, and ERISA lines

Advise on employment-related agreements while supporting HR on global employment law developments and compliance

Respond to subpoenas, inquiries, and information requests, and oversee outside counsel in active litigation matters

Manage litigation holds and guides internal stakeholders on documentation, preservation, and risk considerations

Collaborate with the Human Resources and Recruitment teams to monitor and implement updates in labor and employment laws, provide practical guidance on workplace policies, and advise on employee relations and day-to-day employment issues

Qualification

Juris DoctorRegulatory & Compliance ExpertiseCorporate & Transactional SkillsAnalytical SkillsDrafting SkillsCommunication SkillsProject ManagementCross-functional Collaboration

Required

Juris Doctor and active licensure in good standing (Illinois or New York preferred)

Minimum of 5+ years of relevant legal experience at an exchange, regulator, law firm, and/or as in-house legal counsel

Regulatory & Compliance Expertise - knowledge of U.S. and international regulations, including SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, and major exchanges

Corporate & Transactional Skills – exposure to corporate transactions, such as venture investments, M&A, or financing arrangements. Experience reviewing and negotiating trading-related agreements; familiarity with derivatives, market structure, and proprietary trading environments is beneficial

Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills

Experience working on cross-functional or cross-regional projects with a demonstrated ability to manage projects independently in a fast-moving environment