At Square, GC’s Tasks Extend Beyond the Legal World

Dana Wagner’s job as Square Inc.'s general counsel requires an ability to see around corners, and think about the legal ramifications of never-seen-before financial products.

Square offers payment services, allowing merchants to accept card payments, but its portfolio of products also includes merchant loans, marketing and other financial services.

“We often bring things into the world that are novel, and how regulatory frameworks or legal principles will apply to them is not always clear,” he said. “And sometimes institutions or regulators or other members of the industry find that a little terrifying.”

Not Wagner, who said he enjoys the challenge.

“If you’re ...