Assistant Vice President & Legal Counsel, Investments

Unum•Portland, ME

11d•$133,500 - $274,100•Hybrid

About The Position

Incumbent will serve as a highly experienced, practical and business-focused legal advisor within the Unum Law Department’s Investments team, providing legal advice to Unum’s Investment Department in support of an investment portfolio of more than $40 billion. This role will advise on a broad range of investment matters, including secured and unsecured domestic and foreign private placement debt investments, private equity and private credit investments, rated note feeders, asset-backed finance transactions, CLOs, public bonds, federal and state tax credits, derivatives, and/or commercial mortgage loans, and related regulatory matters. The attorney will partner directly with portfolio managers, internal stakeholders and outside counsel while supporting all applicable domestic U.S. companies and enterprise business objectives.

Requirements

J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Five to ten years of relevant legal experience in a law firm, corporate law department, financial institution, insurance company, asset manager or other institutional investor environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and risk-assessment skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business advice.
Working knowledge of state and federal regulatory frameworks relevant to institutional investment activities; familiarity with insurance company investment regulation is preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating investment transaction documents.
Demonstrated leadership, judgment and relationship-building skills, including the ability to earn trust and work effectively with senior business partners and key stakeholders across the enterprise.
Results-oriented, with the initiative, focus and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to lead through influence, adapt to change and support continuous improvement within the Law Department and business teams.
Demonstrated ability to leverage technology and AI-enabled tools to improve legal service delivery, efficiency and business decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Experience with private placements, private equity, derivatives and/or commercial mortgage lending is preferred.
Insurance product or insurance company investment regulation knowledge preferred.
Strong leadership skills, including strategic planning and project management preferred.
Strong people and change management skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted legal advisor to Unum’s Investment Department and related business partners on investment matters affecting the enterprise, including private debt and equity investments, commercial mortgage loans, public bonds, derivatives transactions, tax credits, CLOs, asset-backed finance transactions and related insurance company investment activities.
Lead the legal analysis, structuring, negotiation and execution of complex investment transactions while coordinating with portfolio managers, other internal stakeholders and outside counsel.
Draft, review, negotiate and develop complex agreements, transaction documents, forms and related legal documentation.
Advise on investment-related legal, regulatory and compliance matters, including new and emerging areas of law affecting institutional investors and insurance company investment activities.
Analyze proposed legislation, regulations and regulatory guidance; formulate and communicate Unum’s legal and business position as appropriate.
Provide legal support to designated business units, manage workflow from and relationships with all levels of management, and partner directly with senior business partners and key stakeholders across the enterprise.
Effectively and efficiently manage outside counsel on an as-needed basis, including selecting, assisting and supervising outside counsel where appropriate.
Participate in developing, refining and documenting workflows and forms to provide efficient, consistent and practical legal service delivery.
Incorporate and apply relevant federal and state laws and regulations, including insurance laws and regulations affecting investments, to support business plans, objectives and risk management.
Identify legal training needs for business partners and Company personnel; develop and deliver practical training through written materials, classroom sessions, staff presentations and other appropriate mechanisms.
Work collaboratively, flexibly and proactively across the Law Department and business teams in furtherance of enterprise goals and priorities.
As part of a high-performing and collegial team, act as a mentor and resource for coworkers and participate in cross-training, temporary assignments and special projects as needed.
Ensure appropriate attention to and support adherence with the Code of Conduct and Unum values.
May perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health, Vision, Dental
Short & Long-Term Disability
Generous PTO (including paid time to volunteer!)
Up to 9.5% 401(k) employer contribution
Mental health support
Career advancement opportunities
Student loan repayment options
Tuition reimbursement
Flexible work environments
Performance Based Incentive Plans
401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 5% and an additional 4.5% contribution whether you contribute to the plan or not.