Commodity Futures Trading Commission "CFTC" Regulatory Associate Attorney

Commodity Futures Trading Commission "CFTC" Regulatory Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a CFTC Regulatory Associate Attorney to join the Strategic Advisory & Government Enforcement practice of a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Irvine (Orange County), Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Seattle, Silicon Valley (Menlo Park), or Washington, D.C. Preference will be given to candidates based in Washington, D.C.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with at least 3 years of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulatory experience to join a growing practice advising clients on complex commodities, derivatives, and digital asset regulatory matters. The role offers exposure to cutting-edge issues involving the Commodity Exchange Act, emerging financial markets, digital assets, and cross-disciplinary regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations.

• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda addressing CFTC regulations, regulatory developments, and enforcement trends.

• Review business models and proposed registrants for compliance with applicable commodities laws and regulations.

• Advise clients operating in emerging markets, including digital assets and cryptocurrency.

• Prepare and assist with regulatory filings, including registrations for Designated Contract Markets (DCMs), Derivatives Clearing Organizations (DCOs), Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs), Introducing Brokers (IBs), Swap Dealers (SDs), and no-action letter requests.

• Collaborate with attorneys across transactional, litigation, gaming, and other regulatory practices on multidisciplinary matters.

• Participate in client meetings, presentations, business development initiatives, and regulatory counseling.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Active membership in the state bar of the office where the attorney will be located.

• At least 3 years of experience advising on CFTC and Commodity Exchange Act matters at a law firm, in-house legal department, or relevant regulatory agency.

• Experience with CFTC regulatory matters, including market oversight, market participants, or clearing and risk issues.

• Experience advising on Designated Contract Market (DCM) compliance, including prediction markets.

• Knowledge of digital asset and cryptocurrency regulatory frameworks.

• Strong legal research, drafting, analytical, and writing skills.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience with SEC regulatory matters is a plus.

• Strong academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to exceptional client service.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Starting at $310,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Mental health and wellness programs

  • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

  • Short- and long-term disability coverage

  • Industry-leading parental leave

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

  • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility