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Derek Schwede

Head of Legal at Modern Treasury

Derek Schwede is a distinguished senior attorney specializing in high-growth technology companies, boasting over 13 years of robust experience in addressing legal challenges across various innovative sectors including Software as a Service (SaaS), FinTech, mobile, and social media. His in-depth understanding of the technology landscape enables him to effectively collaborate with business and product leaders to launch new offerings, negotiate strategic deals, and build in-house legal teams that are aligned with the strategic goals of the organizations he serves.

Harnessing a wealth of legal expertise, Derek serves as the Head of Legal at Modern Treasury, where he plays a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of financial technologies, ensuring compliance and providing legal guidance on various initiatives. His academic background includes a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the prestigious Harvard Law School, where he developed a strong foundation in legal principles and frameworks necessary for operating in fast-paced technology environments. Additionally, he studied at Rice University, further enhancing his analytical and problem-solving skills vital for success in the legal profession.

Derek has an impressive track record of leadership and involvement within the legal community. His past roles include serving as a member of TechGC, an organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among technology general counsel, and as an advisor at Bonterms, where he provided key insights into contract negotiations for innovative business solutions. His expertise also extends to academic contributions, having served as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law—where he shared his rich experiences and knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals. Additionally, Derek has held notable positions as principal at Smithline PC and as an associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP, where he honed his skills in corporate law and developed a keen sense of the intricacies involved in legal processes within the tech industry.

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Derek Schwede
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States