What Do Web3 Job Seekers Ask When They Consult Lawyers?

Author: Liu Honglin, Manqin Law Firm

Friends often ask me why I'm so confident that Web3.0 will emerge in China.

I have multiple reasons. Beyond my long-term observations as a tech-focused lawyer and a patriotic heart, there's an even more critical factor: China has a vast pool of exceptional internet talent—especially product managers, user growth specialists, and technical developers who have been rigorously tested in major Chinese tech companies.

If Chinese professionals rank second globally in these fields, no one dares to claim first. Success ultimately depends on people. Without bold entrepreneurs and tireless workers, it’s impossible to grow and scale innovative ventures and industries.

The other day, during a business meeting at Manqin Law Firm, I heard our marketing director share a job seeker data report on Web3, covering applicants’ backgrounds, types of inquiries, and target employers.

While I frequently communicate with entrepreneurs and practitioners in the industry, this objective data gives me a more comprehensive understanding of the current legal risks in the Web3 space, as well as job seekers’ main concerns and confusions when entering Web3 employment.

The purpose of this article is to share these insights, hoping to help more job seekers find their ideal roles in the Web3 space while minimizing legal risks and achieving wealth legally.

Types of Employers: The Rise of Decentralized Organizations

Based on cases Manqin Law has consulted on, job seekers’ desired employers are becoming increasingly diverse. In addition to decentralized finance platforms (DeFi) and public blockchain projects, many well-known centralized exchanges also attract significant interest. Some applicants work with Web3 wallet providers or on-chain data analytics firms, often remotely supporting overseas Web3 projects. This diversity complicates issues such as labor contracts and salary payments, with cross-border legal risks being particularly prominent.

Our research shows that consultation volumes for DeFi-related positions have grown the fastest among all employer types. Naturally, companies closely tied to capital flows tend to draw more applicants. At the same time, centralized exchanges also offer numerous roles, but they’re often based in jurisdictions with looser regulations. As a result, job seekers pay close attention to contract legality and compliance of cryptocurrency-based compensation.

Job Seekers’ Backgrounds: Transitioning from Web2 to Web3

Data from our consultations shows that over 70% of applicants come from traditional Web2 fields—including internet technology, product design, business development (BD), and finance. This indicates that Web3’s appeal extends beyond just technical experts; it’s also drawing professionals from conventional internet and financial sectors who are actively transitioning into the Web3 space.

According to our survey, about 65% of Web2 professionals express strong interest in Web3, largely due to higher salary levels—on average around 20% above those in traditional Web2 industries. However, these transitioning professionals often lack deep understanding of Web3’s legal framework, especially in emerging areas like smart contracts and tokenomics, leaving them with many questions and uncertainties.

Popular Roles and Associated Legal Risks

Consultation data reveals that sought-after positions mainly include business development (BD), programmers, product managers, data analysts, and UI designers. While these roles resemble those in Web2, the legal challenges they entail in Web3 environments are significantly more complex.

For example, programmers are primarily responsible for developing and maintaining smart contracts. Yet, if a smart contract contains bugs or errors, it could lead to massive financial losses or even legal disputes. Industry data shows that in 2023 alone, global financial losses from smart contract vulnerabilities reached $3 billion, placing immense legal liability and compliance pressure on developers. Similarly, BD staff involved in project promotion and token fundraising must navigate risks related to illegal fundraising and ensure their operations remain compliant. Product managers and UI designers, meanwhile, must ensure privacy policies comply with global data protection laws to avoid infringing on user privacy rights.

Top Concerns Among Job Seekers: Policy and Compliance

Analysis of consultation data reveals that job seekers’ legal concerns mainly revolve around the following areas:

• Regulatory policy changes: As global regulation of Web3 intensifies, many job seekers worry whether their work might cross domestic or international regulatory red lines. In China, where laws regarding cryptocurrencies and token issuance are particularly strict, many applicants question the compliance status of prospective employers before accepting offers.

• Labor contracts and remote work: Remote work has become standard in the Web3 industry, but it introduces various cross-border labor law issues. Applicants commonly question the validity of employment contracts, especially when salaries are paid in cryptocurrency. According to Manqin Law’s research, remote work accounts for up to 60% of jobs in the global Web3 sector, meaning more job seekers face potential cross-border legal disputes and challenges in protecting their employment rights.

• Legality of token-based compensation: An increasing number of Web3 companies pay salaries in tokens, but this method brings uncertainty due to price volatility and tax compliance issues. Job seekers often worry whether receiving wages in crypto complies with local tax laws and how to protect their income from market fluctuations.

• Criminal risks: Given Web3’s close ties to finance—and particularly the anonymity of cryptocurrency transactions, which increases risks of money laundering and fraud—many job seekers fear potential criminal liability. According to Manqin Law’s statistics, global criminal cases related to cryptocurrency increased by 15% year-on-year in 2023, raising job seekers’ awareness and concern about legal exposure.

Industry Outlook

The rapid expansion of the Web3 industry offers vast employment opportunities, but job seekers must also confront potential legal risks. Whether it's token-based pay, cross-border remote work contracts, or criminal liability, individuals should carefully assess the legal landscape they’re entering. For companies, providing clear legal safeguards and compliance frameworks is equally crucial—it’s key to attracting and retaining top talent.