Interview Experience: Principal Attorney, Securities at Remitly

The interview process for the Principal Attorney, Securities role at Remitly is detailed and focuses on assessing both your legal expertise in securities and corporate governance as well as your ability to advise senior executives. The interview evaluates your experience with SEC regulations, capital markets, and your ability to operate in a fast-paced, global company. Here’s a breakdown based on my experience:

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for the Principal Attorney, Securities position at Remitly generally involves the following stages:

1. Initial Screening (HR Interview)

The first stage usually consists of an introductory call with an HR representative. This call is generally focused on your background, legal experience, and fit with Remitly’s culture.

Common questions:

• “Why are you interested in working at Remitly?”
• “Can you tell me about your experience with securities laws, particularly around 1934 Act reporting and SEC filings?”

During this stage, I emphasized my previous experience working with securities compliance, focusing on my expertise with public company filings, including Form 10-K, 10-Q, and S-8 filings. I also highlighted how Remitly’s mission to improve financial access globally aligns with my personal values and professional interests.

2. Technical Interview (Legal Team and Hiring Manager)

The second round is typically a more in-depth conversation with the hiring manager or a senior member of the legal team. Here, the focus is on your experience with securities law and governance, particularly how you handle regulatory compliance, capital raising, and board-level matters.

Key questions:

• “Can you walk us through the process of preparing an SEC filing, like a 10-Q or 8-K?”
• “Describe a situation where you advised senior leadership on a capital raising activity or securities transaction. What was the outcome?”

In my response, I walked them through the process of preparing and reviewing 10-Q filings, explaining how I worked closely with the finance and operations teams to ensure accuracy, and also discussed how I helped senior management navigate complex securities transactions such as public offerings or private placements.

3. Behavioral Interview (Cultural Fit and Team Collaboration)

This stage assesses how well you fit within Remitly’s culture, particularly in terms of collaboration, leadership, and adaptability in a fast-growing environment. Expect to discuss your ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Typical questions:

• “Tell us about a time when you had to navigate a conflict between legal requirements and business objectives. How did you manage it?”
• “How do you approach mentoring junior team members or supporting a growing legal team?”

I shared an example from my previous role where I had to balance legal compliance with the business’s push for a quick IPO. I emphasized how I ensured that the legal requirements were met while also keeping the business aligned with its strategic goals. This demonstrated both my legal expertise and my ability to collaborate with senior leadership.

4. Case Study or Problem-Solving Exercise

In this round, I was presented with a hypothetical legal issue related to securities law or corporate governance. I had to analyze the situation, identify legal risks, and propose solutions.

Sample case study:

• “You’re advising Remitly on a potential capital raise. What regulatory considerations do you need to account for in the context of the securities laws? How would you prepare for a public offering?”

For this exercise, I explained the steps required to ensure compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including preparing the registration statement, ensuring that all disclosure requirements were met, and advising on the SEC’s review process. I also touched on the importance of coordinating with external auditors, underwriters, and other legal teams to ensure smooth execution.

5. Final Interview (Senior Leadership)

The final round usually involves meeting with senior executives or board members. This interview focuses on your strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and how you would contribute to the company’s long-term goals. They want to understand how you will work with cross-functional teams and drive legal initiatives across the company.

Key questions:

• “Where do you see the role of securities law evolving at Remitly in the next 3-5 years?”
• “What is your approach to managing risk in the capital markets, especially in a fast-growing fintech company?”

I discussed my view of the increasing importance of securities compliance as Remitly expands into new markets, especially in light of the evolving regulatory landscape for fintech companies. I shared ideas on how I would streamline the securities law compliance process while ensuring that risk management practices are proactively addressed to support Remitly’s growth.

Key Skills and Experience to Highlight

• Securities Law Expertise: This is crucial for the role. Emphasize your experience with SEC filings, particularly with respect to 1934 Act reporting, Section 16 filings, and IPOs. Highlight any work you’ve done on capital raising, regulatory filings, or advising on corporate governance.
• Corporate Governance: Remitly places a high value on corporate governance, so be sure to highlight your experience with Board-level issues, shareholder meetings, and ensuring compliance with governance policies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires collaboration with many teams, including finance, product, and executive leadership. Share examples of how you’ve worked cross-functionally to align legal strategy with business objectives.
• Problem-Solving and Risk Management: Remitly is a fast-growing company in the fintech space, so they will want someone who can identify and manage risks while balancing business objectives. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully managed legal risks and helped businesses navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Leadership and Team Management: If you have experience managing legal teams, be sure to discuss your leadership style, how you mentor junior staff, and how you build a collaborative and high-performance legal team.

Example from My Experience

In my previous role, I managed the SEC filings for a public company, ensuring that all disclosures were accurate and timely. I was also involved in a major capital raising initiative where we were preparing for an IPO. I worked closely with underwriters, auditors, and senior management to ensure compliance with all securities regulations, while also managing the internal legal team’s work on corporate governance issues. This experience directly prepared me for the tasks outlined in the Principal Attorney, Securities role at Remitly.