Product Counsel - job 1 of 2

As a Product Counsel at Upgrade, your primary responsibilities include reviewing new products and features from development through launch, providing practical legal advice, ensuring compliance with legal regulations, and collaborating with Product, Compliance, Marketing, Engineering, and Risk teams. You will also draft consumer-facing agreements and research consumer protection laws.

The qualifications for the Product Counsel position at Upgrade include a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Bar membership in good standing, along with a minimum of 5 years of legal experience advising financial institutions or fintech companies. Strong relationship-building skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment are also essential.

At Upgrade, a Product Counsel can expect to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive environment. The company values teamwork and offers flexibility, with a preference for candidates who can work in a hybrid capacity from the Atlanta office, though remote candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Upgrade supports the professional growth of its Product Counsel by offering a learning stipend for personal development, flexible PTO, and health and wellness initiatives. The company fosters an environment where ongoing learning and collaboration are strongly encouraged.

Working as a Product Counsel at Upgrade offers the unique opportunity to engage with innovative financial products and navigate the evolving landscape of fintech regulations. You'll be at the forefront of legal issues that shape the industry, allowing you to make a significant impact on improving consumer experiences.

When advising on new products, it's crucial to identify potential legal risks early in the development process. I approach this by collaborating closely with product teams, conducting thorough legal research, and drafting clear guidance that aligns our innovations with compliance requirements.

My experience with consumer protection laws has involved researching and advising on relevant regulations to ensure compliance in financial products. I focus on creating consumer-friendly agreements and marketing collateral while protecting both the company and its customers.

In a previous role, I dealt with a challenging issue regarding compliance with new regulations impacting a product launch. By conducting in-depth analysis, strategizing with cross-functional teams, and advocating for necessary adjustments, we successfully aligned the product with legal expectations while meeting launch deadlines.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize my workload by assessing the urgency and impact of each task. I utilize project management tools and maintain open communication with stakeholders to ensure that all critical deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Building relationships with other teams involves active listening, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving. I make it a point to engage with team members regularly, understand their goals, and offer my legal expertise in ways that support their objectives.

I stay updated on changes in financial regulations by subscribing to relevant legal and industry publications, attending webinars and conferences, and networking with professionals in the fintech space. Continuous education is key to remaining informed and effective.

I am drawn to the role of Product Counsel at Upgrade because of the company's commitment to innovation and support for consumers. Aligning my legal expertise with a mission to improve financial access and responsibility excites me, and I appreciate Upgrade's collaborative culture.

When drafting consumer-facing agreements, I consider clarity, fairness, and compliance with applicable regulations. It's essential to create documents that are understandable to consumers while protecting their rights and the company's interests.

In uncertain or ambiguous situations, I adopt a proactive problem-solving mindset. I gather as much relevant information as possible, consult with interdisciplinary teams for insights, and remain flexible in adapting our legal strategy as new information emerges.

Balancing competing legal priorities requires a strategic approach. I assess the urgency and implications of each priority, collaborate with team members to align on goals, and maintain an agile mindset to adapt plans as necessary based on resource availability and business needs.