Web3 Zero Knowledge Jobs in Illinois

🚀 About The Paradigm Shifters (Team TPS)

We are The Paradigm Shifters, building a next-generation public blockchain architecture (completely separate from Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) powered by cutting-edge cryptographic technologies such as Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) and witness encryption.

To date, next level thinking developers have been moving into building zK solutions. These ideas have been impressively built and integrated piece by piece into decentralized technologies (identity, security, VM, payments, etc.) but never in a top to bottom chain reaction kind of way.

Through the innovative design of separating computation from verification, we significantly improve on-chain performance, data costs, user privacy, and system security.

The chain will be modular and scalable. We are designing and developing to support a wide range, size and volume of applications, including institutional & enterprise level, payment systems, AI agents, dApps, etc. As well as build the ability for existing decentralized tech to be able to migrate to our realm. Our goal is to drive the adoption and implementation of Web3 technologies across diverse untapped scenarios. We're building for the forward thinking developers and the next phase of decentralization.

Backed and built by pioneers in the blockchain space, including the NEO Foundation and a globally distributed team of well-known PhDs, cryptographers, researchers/engineers and leaders. We're in a well-funded ($50 Million) stealth position, pre-blockchain  whitepaper launch.

🎯 The Role

Location: Remote (United States); Type: Full-time; Start Date: ASAP

–Reporting to Original Founder & Part of Founding TeamThe Deputy General Counsel will be our 1st primary legal architect for the future of our chain and onward. You’ll be overseeing the full legal lifecycle of establishing, building, and scaling a blockchain from ground-up. This role is deeply hands-on and strategic, responsible for setting up global entities, foundations and lab environments, navigating future asset, product, and chain regulatory frameworks, and protecting the company’s intellectual property worldwide. As the first in-house legal hire, you will establish the legal backbone for the business—balancing innovation with compliance, enabling product launches, and building processes that scale. You will work closely with the executive team, research and engineering, marketing, and ecosystem impact team to ensure that every stage of growth—incorporation, fundraising, ecosystem partnerships, and global expansion—is backed by clear, enforceable, and forward-looking legal structures.

🛠️ What You'll Do…

Mission (1-liner): Stand up the company and launch-readiness stack: entities, hiring/vendors, brand/IP, comms gate, whitepaper protection, product guardrails—then scale.

Top Priorities (in order)

• 8+ years of legal experience with a strong focus on for at least the last 3+ years blockchain, decentralized technology, etc.
• Proven track record in establishing global corporate structures (entities, foundations, labs) for startups. Formation at speed (US + APAC with local counsel); governance fluency.
• Direct experience launching crypto assets, foundations, or blockchain products across multiple jurisdictions.
• Expertise in IP strategy and protection for emerging technology companies.
• Deep understanding of securities law, international regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Strong transactional background, including venture financing, ecosystem partnerships, and commercial contracts.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced startup environment while providing pragmatic business-focused legal advice.
• JD (or intl. equiv.), good standing in ≥1 US jurisdiction.

• VERY Competitive salary

• Global Remote-first culture with flexibility and autonomy
• Flexible Working Hours & PTO
• International Travel to Company & Industry Events
• Backing from respected investors and projects from the space ($50M)
• The chance to create a brand that becomes iconic in the ZK/crypto space with a small and mighty team
• ---You're early this time

• 8+ years of legal experience with a strong focus on for at least the last 3+ years blockchain, decentralized technology, etc.
• Proven track record in establishing global corporate structures (entities, foundations, labs) for startups. Formation at speed (US + APAC with local counsel); governance fluency.
• Direct experience launching crypto assets, foundations, or blockchain products across multiple jurisdictions.
• Expertise in IP strategy and protection for emerging technology companies.
• Deep understanding of securities law, international regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Strong transactional background, including venture financing, ecosystem partnerships, and commercial contracts.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced startup environment while providing pragmatic business-focused legal advice.
• JD (or intl. equiv.), good standing in ≥1 US jurisdiction.

• VERY Competitive salary

• Global Remote-first culture with flexibility and autonomy
• Flexible Working Hours & PTO
• International Travel to Company & Industry Events
• Backing from respected investors and projects from the space ($50M)
• The chance to create a brand that becomes iconic in the ZK/crypto space with a small and mighty team
• ---You're early this time