Product Counsel, Payroll and Fintech

Job description

We’re looking for a Product Counsel to join our growing Product Commercial Legal team and redefine how we advise on payroll, fintech and tax products at scale . This is not a “keep the lights on” product counsel role-it’s a transformational opportunity to build the function of the future , powered by AI and cutting-edge process design while working collaboratively within our consumer fintech and payments products to support the risk-adjusted development of Gusto’s payroll, benefits and HR services.

At Gusto, Legal & Compliance operates as an AI-native team. We expect every team member to actively leverage AI tools to improve quality, scale, and speed, while designing right-sized human-in-the-loop controls to ensure accuracy and quality.

In this role, you will own Gusto’s end-to-end legal advisory support of product development , review, updates, and advancements in partnership with product managers, engineers, design, business development, commercial, privacy, security, risk and other stakeholders while also leading the adoption of AI-driven review tools . You will set the standards, playbooks, and tooling that allow Gusto’s product legal function to scale with speed and intelligence as the company grows.

Responsibilities

• Navigate complex regulatory frameworks to design and mature Gusto’s core products including, payroll, fintech, tax and payments.
• Look around corners, creatively solve problems, and help define business strategy as Gusto expands its functionality to meet the needs of US businesses that have hired or are preparing to hire employees and/or contractors.
• Counsel the Product, Engineering, Design, and Business Teams and help them navigate a range of issues related to payroll products and/or partnerships, domestic and international payments, data privacy, and tax.
• Contribute to the development of scalable processes to manage legal risk and accelerate product expansion.
• Partner closely with our Commercial Team to advise on product risk, work through redlines, and negotiate with counterparties.
• Actively test, pilot, and recommend next-gen AI solutions, ensuring the Product Legal team is always on the leading edge of innovation.

Requirements

• JD degree and a member of a State bar/ active license to practice law.
• 7+ years of combined legal experience, with experience working in an in-house legal department at a technology company.
• Experience supporting the development of payroll, fintech, tax and payment products and the launches and scaling of highly regulated, yet innovative, domestic and global products.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and build strong relationships.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively to help business clients understand and own risk-based decisions.
• Experience creatively solving problems, balancing legal risk and business needs.
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow through in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative approach and demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, cross-functionally, and independently.
• Experience in working closely with Commercial or Contracts Counsel to support deal closure.
• Experience with AI review tools ( GCAI or similar ).
• Demonstrated success building and improving processes , not just running them.
• A passion for showing that Product Legal is a driver of innovation and business impact, not a blocker.