About Akuna:
Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.
Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.
What you’ll do as Legal Counsel at Akuna:
As Legal Counsel, you will lead and elevate Akuna’s North American legal function across a wide range of areas, including commercial contracting, policy drafting and implementation, corporate governance, HR and employment matters, regulatory and securities law updates, venture capital investments, and litigation management. You will partner closely with all aspects of the firm including senior management, business teams, and report into the Head of Legal and Compliance. In this role, you will:
- 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
Qualities that make great candidates:
- Juris Doctor and active licensure in good standing (Illinois required)
- 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
Please note that immigration sponsorship is not offered for this opening.While this is a hybrid position, we expect an in-office presence in our Chicago office three times per week.
Please include a legal writing sample with your application for our review.
In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!
In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $160,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.
