Senior Commercial Counsel

Aptos is a people-first blockchain on a mission to help billions of people achieve universal and fair access to decentralized assets in a safe and scalable way.

Founded by some of the original creators and maintainers that researched, designed, and built the Diem blockchain to serve this purpose, we have dedicated several years toward this mission. We believe the open-source Diem technology we have developed is an important foundation of a safe and scalable web3 world where everyone has more equitable opportunities to grow and access financial assets with lower fees and fewer intermediaries.  

Aptos (Ohlone for "The People") encompasses our mission and ethos for why we build.

About The Role

Aptos Labs is looking for exceptional candidates to serve as Senior Commercial Counsel on the legal team related to its blockchain initiatives.  This individual will report to the Associate General Counsel (Commercial), overseeing legal matters related to commercial and corporate  transactions. You will play a key role in supporting business development, partnerships, and other business teams by drafting, negotiating, and providing legal advice on various agreements and strategic partner collaborations.  This is a great opportunity to join a growing legal team and work at the forefront of helping to build one of the leading layer 1, proof-of-stake blockchains and have a major global impact around the world.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of complex commercial and corporate agreements with a focus on technology transactions, partnerships, and business development
• Manage and execute transactions, including commercial partnerships, grant agreements, and investments in ecosystem projects
• Handle other corporate legal matters and investment agreements (SAFEs, preferred stock financings) and token-related agreements (SAFTs, warrants) and related blockchain and fintech transactions
• Provide strategic and practical legal advice to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment between legal, commercial, and business priorities
• Collaborate closely with business development and other internal teams to develop scalable legal frameworks and processes
• Contribute to legal team projects on product, regulatory, and corporate governance matters as needed
• Remain current on relevant industry and regulatory developments, particularly in blockchain, fintech, and technology law

What We’re Looking For:

• J.D. degree (or foreign equivalent) and membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar
• 6+ years of legal experience, with a strong focus on technology transactions, commercial agreements, and/or blockchain-related matters. Experience in both in-house and law firm environments is preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple, high-priority projects and transactions under tight deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills, with experience structuring deals in fast-paced, high-growth industries
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners
• Demonstrated ability to advise on complex commercial issues in a strategic and pragmatic manner
• Preferred background in blockchain, fintech, or other innovative technology sectors

The base salary range for this full-time position is $200k - $250k. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and typical maximum target for new hire salaries for the position of a candidate based in the Bay Area at any level. We do hire exceptionally talented professionals with decades of experience in their field. As such, our range may be higher than what is displayed. Our base salary ranges are determined by experience and location, and we hire at all levels for multiple roles. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location, job-related skills demonstrated during the interviews, working experience, and relevant education or training. Please note that the compensation details listed in role postings reflect the base salary only and do not include equity, tokens, or benefits.

Our Benefits

• 100% insurance premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents (US Employees)
• Equipment of your choice
• Flexible vacation time, 11 holidays, and floating company days off 
• Competitive Salary
• Equity (RSUs) (US employees)
• Protocol Token Grants
• 401k matching (US Employees)
• Fun and inclusive in-person and digital events

Aptos is committed to diversity in the workplace, and we’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.