Vice President, Digital Assets and ETF Legal Counsel - Blackrock, Inc.

About this role

Are you an experienced attorney searching for an exciting, innovative, challenging, multi-faceted opportunity with the world's largest asset manager? We are seeking an attorney to serve as a member of BlackRock’s Registered Fund Legal team, focusing on digital assets related matters for the U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF) business. Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, providing legal advice and support relating to the structuring, launch, distribution and day-to-day operations of ETFs, including with respect to BlackRock’s digital assets initiatives. The attorney will provide legal support to key partners including product development, business operations, and portfolio management, and will also work closely with other teams within BlackRock’s Legal & Compliance department.

Location: The position will be based in our San Francisco office.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with new fund launches, including product development and structuring, as well as enhancements for existing funds.
• Provide legal advice and counsel on fund matters related to digital assets, including tokenization, digital asset investment product development and digital asset service provider agreements.
• Draft and update SEC registration statements (and related risk disclosures) and other regulatory documents and shareholder communications.
• Manage outside counsel’s review of fund documents and provide general oversight of work performed by outside counsel.
• Advise business teams regarding key initiatives and special projects.
• Conduct research and draft comments on various regulatory proposals and consultations.
• Draft and negotiate service provider, intermediary and client contracts.
• Collaborate with the compliance function, including the enhancement of internal policies and procedures aimed at mitigating risk, meeting applicable regulatory requirements and/or improving operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

• J.D. with superior academic credentials from a nationally-recognized law school and at least five years’ experience as a lawyer in a major law firm or the legal department of a leading digital asset financial services organization.
• Experience in advising on digital asset matters including tokenization, digital asset investment product development and/or digital asset services.
• Strong understanding of digital assets, blockchain and distributed ledger technology.
• Familiarity with or demonstrated interest in asset management and advising mutual funds, ETFs and/or other collective investment products would be preferred.
• Exceptional analytical, written, verbal and project management skills and ability to (i) work with and across different business and operations teams, (ii) work effectively both independently and as a member of a team, (iii) work in a demanding and fast-paced environment, and (iv) prioritize multiple tasks and projects concurrently while maintaining high standards and attention to detail.
• Capacity to pursue and solve problems in a practical manner and to communicate complex legal, compliance and business issues/risks in an understandable way.
• Ability and desire to develop expertise in new or unfamiliar areas of law.

For California only, the salary range for this position is $175,750 - $229,500. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including health care, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.