Senior Counsel, Shareholder Litigation

About the role

You will own the full lifecycle of Coinbase's most complex litigation matters with minimal supervision and significant influence on corporate decisions. You will serve as the primary in-house strategist for securities class actions and shareholder derivative suits, directing both internal and external teams toward efficient resolutions. You will shape litigation posture through proactive monitoring of legal developments and decisive motions practice. You will act as the principal advisor to the board and senior leadership on high-stakes disputes and emerging liabilities. You will manage relationships with D&O carriers to align risk transfer strategies with company objectives. You will utilize advanced analytical skills to drive favorable outcomes while balancing business and legal risk. You will mentor junior attorneys and collaborate across functions to ensure alignment with commercial priorities. You will uphold the highest standards of professionalism in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Assume end-to-end responsibility for defending securities class actions instituted under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, orchestrating pleadings strategy, discovery execution, motions practice, expert coordination, and settlement advocacy.
• Lead the defense of shareholder derivative litigation from pre-suit demand analysis through resolution, safeguarding corporate directors and officers while preserving company interests.
• Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with corporate and commercial legal teams on public company filings, regulatory interactions, and transactional support.
• Supervise and direct outside litigation counsel from case inception through final resolution, ensuring cohesive strategies for pleadings, discovery, motions, expert work, and settlement negotiations.
• Track and evaluate developments in corporate law across multiple jurisdictions, proactively advising on how evolving case law may impact governance structures, disclosure obligations, and overall litigation strategy.
• Interface with Directors and Officers insurance carriers and brokers to administer claims, assess coverage positions, and optimize resolution pathways.
• Translate complex litigation risks and timelines for executive leadership and the board, enabling informed decision-making on resource allocation and exposure.
• Drive the implementation of generative AI tools under human oversight to enhance workflow efficiency, reduce costs, and improve output quality in routine litigation tasks.
• Maintain strict compliance with ethical and professional standards while managing high-pressure deadlines and competing priorities.
• Represent Coinbase in forums and proceedings where these matters are adjudicated, ensuring consistent and persuasive advocacy.

Requirements

• Bring a minimum of 7 years of litigation experience, with substantial focus on securities class actions, shareholder derivative litigation, or related complex civil matters gained at top-tier law firms and/or in-house departments.
• Demonstrate deep familiarity with corporate law principles, including fiduciary duty standards and the full scope of Securities Laws applicable to public companies.
• Possess direct experience litigating matters in Delaware Chancery Court, including motion practice and evidentiary considerations unique to that forum.
• Show comprehensive knowledge of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA), applicable pleading standards, and the procedural landscape governing securities class actions in federal court.
• Provide a proven record of strategically managing outside counsel and resolving high-stakes litigation efficiently, including hands-on experience with D&O insurance structures, triggers, and coverage analysis.
• Hold a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and maintain active membership in a US state bar in good standing.
• Commit to utilizing generative AI responsibly, ensuring human oversight in all deliverables to produce business-ready outputs that enhance quality and efficiency.
• Exhibit strong judgment, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive information and advising senior stakeholders.
• Thrive in a remote-first environment while being prepared to participate in quarterly in-person "surges" that intensify collaboration and decision-making.
• Communicate effectively with precision and professionalism in written and verbal formats across diverse audiences.

Nice to have

• Preferred experience with emerging technologies, FinTech, or crypto-related regulatory and litigation matters.
• Demonstrated background in advising public companies on governance, disclosure, and compliance initiatives.
• Familiarity with data privacy and cybersecurity litigation trends impacting digital asset platforms.

Practical notes

• This is a remote-first role based in the United States, with quarterly in-person working sessions called "surges" required.
• Compensation details are provided as an annual base salary range excluding equity and bonus eligibility, with total compensation potentially including equity awards and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Applicants must meet the specified experience and licensing criteria without exception.
• Candidates are limited to submitting a maximum of 3 applications per open opportunity.

Application Limit: Candidates may submit a maximum of 3 applications.