General Counsel

The Katana Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating the best DeFi experience for all types of users. Incubated by Polygon Labs and GSR, Katana Network is a purpose-built DeFi chain that aligns applications, users, and chain revenue to deliver deep liquidity and sustainable high yields. The network uses innovative mechanisms including VaultBridge, Chain-Owned Liquidity, and concentrated protocol deployment to maximize value for active users rather than extracting it. By taking an opinionated approach to DeFi infrastructure, Katana enables superior capital efficiency and user experience compared to traditional blockchain designs.

As the first legal hire dedicated to the Katana, you’ll step into a rare opportunity to build a legal function from the ground up while partnering closely with product and protocol leadership. This is a hands-on, DeFi-native role ideal for someone looking to transition from senior counsel or AGC into a General Counsel position. You’ll shape legal strategy across product, operations, commercial, and regulatory domains. If you thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and want to help set the legal playbook for the next generation of DeFi, this role is for you.

• Lead and manage all legal matters for Katana across product, operations, commercial, and corporate.

• Provide strategic counsel on a broad range of topics, including DeFi regulatory risk, global financial regulation, and emerging crypto legal frameworks.

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including commercial contracts, collaboration agreements, vendor engagements, and employment-related documentation.

• Collaborate closely with product and engineering teams to proactively embed compliance into protocol and product design without compromising innovation speed.

• Monitor evolving global regulations impacting DeFi, and provide forward-looking guidance on implications for protocol development and market strategy.

• Build and own scalable processes for legal review, documentation, and compliance workflows.

• Engage and manage external counsel when necessary, ensuring alignment with Katana’s priorities, values, and operating cadence.

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• 6–10 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong foundation in transactional, securities, or corporate law from a top-tier law firm and/or in-house at a high-growth technology or fintech company.

• Deep familiarity with Web3 and decentralized finance, including experience advising on regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and internationally.

• Proven ability to operate autonomously, manage legal ambiguity, and deliver practical, high-quality legal advice at speed.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into business-aligned guidance for technical and non-legal stakeholders.

• Familiarity with financial regulation, securities law, and DeFi market structure.

• Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel and implement legal operations and tooling.

• Exposure to employment law, open-source licensing, data privacy, or intellectual property frameworks.
  

is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Katana is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process and applicants with a disability may request to be accommodated throughout the recruitment process. We will work with all applicants to accommodate their individual accessibility needs.

If you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.