Description:
Job Description:We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Associate General Counsel to join our in-house legal team. The ideal candidate will have a deep background in asset management supporting 3(38) and 3(21) advisory mandates, and knowledge of laws and regulations related to investment management and advisory services provided to retirement plans, corporate and government pensions, foundations, and endowments. Experience advising on ERISA fiduciary considerations and prohibited transactions is a prerequisite. Prior work experience in asset management is highly preferred.
What You'll Do:
- Provide legal advice and guidance on ERISA compliance and related regulations
- Oversee and manage legal aspects of asset management services, ensuring adherence to applicable laws and industry standards
- Negotiate all ERISA-related contracts across various business lines, ensuring compliance and alignment with fiduciary obligations
- Advise on fiduciary matters related to the firm's internal benefit plans and changes to ERISA rules impacting benefit plan fiduciaries
- Provide legal support for existing and new services and product offerings across the firm
- Negotiate investment management agreements and other contracts involving plan assets
- Participate in client onboarding and implementation meetings to ensure compliance with legal and fiduciary standards
- Manage conflicts of interest across different client types and products, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulatory guidelines
- Advise on overall fiduciary governance and compliance, ensuring that all practices meet regulatory requirements and best practices
- Support the firm's qualified professional asset manager (QPAM) compliance program, overseeing compliance with internal reviews, reports, policies and procedures, audit requests, and QPAM training
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including investment management agreements, consulting agreements, service agreements, and other legal documents
- Conduct legal research and stay updated on relevant legislation and regulatory developments affecting the asset management industry
- Assist with the development of training materials and programs to educate internal teams on compliance and legal requirements
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- 5-6 years of relevant ERISA asset management legal experience required, including in-house at a registered investment adviser and/or an AmLaw 100 law firm
- Deep knowledge of ERISA regulations, asset management, and retirement plan compliance
- Experience managing the regulatory environment governing investment advisory services, including conflicts management across a variety of clients and product types
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments
- Active member in good standing of the CA, IL or NY bar
- Must be available 2-3 days in-office at An Investment Management Company's offices in Santa Monica, Chicago or New York City
Additional Information:
- This position will work on a hybrid model out of our Santa Monica, Chicago, or New York offices
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a collaborative work environment, generous PTO, 401(k) match, affordable & comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance, CFA and other professional membership reimbursement, and more.
