Assistant General Counsel, Office of Disciplinary Affairs

FINRA • Rockville, MD

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel within the Office of Disciplinary Affairs (ODA), which with its team of senior-level attorneys, promotes effective self-regulation by ensuring that FINRA disciplinary matters are handled consistently, rigorously, and according to the federal securities laws and SEC, FINRA, and other client self-regulatory organization (SRO) rules and policies on a program-wide basis. The incumbent provides an advanced independent and objective review of proposed formal actions to maintain fairness in the disciplinary process and consistent, even-handed application of FINRA's policies. The incumbent, along with all of ODA’s team members, also serves as a catalyst for developing disciplinary policy within the organization in conjunction with the Departments of Enforcement, Market Regulation, and Member Regulation, and the Office of General Counsel. This senior-level professional position requires the incumbent to work collaboratively and in close coordination with colleagues, with minimal direct supervision. The position requires the exercise of a high level of independent judgment, discretion and a level of diplomatic skill.

Requirements

• A law degree and appropriately licensed to practice law in all applicable jurisdictions based on the relevant licensing requirements
• At least eight years of relevant legal experience
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of federal securities laws and relevant SRO rules
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication and critical reading and editing skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in securities enforcement or disciplinary program at a regulatory agency

Responsibilities

• Authorize formal disciplinary complaints to be filed by the Department of Enforcement pursuant to the Codes of Procedure of FINRA and SRO clients under the terms of Regulatory Services Agreements.
• Accept pre- and post-complaint settlements of formal disciplinary actions and Minor Rule Violation letters by delegated authority from FINRA’s National Adjudicatory Council and designated SRO clients.
• Perform independent, objective, and rigorous review of cases submitted to ODA to ensure legal sufficiency of charges and fairness and consistency in FINRA actions and those of SRO clients.
• Demonstrate proficiency and independence at performing the functions of ODA, including the critical review of advanced levels of proposed disciplinary actions.
• Exhibit and maintain an expertise in one or more particular legal and regulatory subject matters.
• Offer and provide training and guidance regarding legal, policy and procedural issues to staff in other departments and to colleagues in ODA, both formally and on an ongoing basis in routine and frequent interactions with individual staff members.
• Coordinate and collaborate with ODA attorney colleagues on a continuous basis to ensure an efficient and consistent approach to reviewing cases.
• Enter information into FINRA database to document review and approval of disciplinary actions and to provide data for internal legal and statistical research and to be used for external reporting.
• Initiate and participate in special projects as assigned, both internal to ODA and in collaboration with other departments.
• Remain flexible in responding to a variable workflow and responsive to requests for expedited review, often on short notice.
• Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
• Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Benefits

• Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
• Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law.
• As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance.
• Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal.
• FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.
• Time Off and Paid Leave FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year).
• Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule).
• Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment).
• Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed