Associate or Deputy General Counsel – U.S. Retail Brokerage

Howden • Miami, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an Associate or Deputy General Counsel to serve as a trusted second-in-command to the General Counsel supporting our U.S. retail insurance brokerage operations. This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape a high-growth business, working closely with senior leadership in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. The Associate/Deputy General Counsel will take on significant day-to-day responsibilities and partner with the General Counsel to build a high-impact legal presence within the U.S. operations. This role requires a highly capable legal professional who can operate independently, step in for the General Counsel when required, and collaborate cross-functionally with global teams in M&A, Finance, and Litigation through our matrix structure.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience (PQE)
• Meaningful in-house counsel experience preferred
• Strong background in U.S. insurance, commercial, and regulatory law
• Deep knowledge of the insurance retail insurance brokerage landscape, especially regulatory frameworks for specialty and broking
• Experience in private equity-backed businesses or similarly dynamic, fast-paced environments is highly valued
• Experience working in a multinational or matrixed environment is also desirable
• Demonstrate strategic and operational leadership
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• High integrity and sound judgment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across time zones
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities

Nice To Haves

• Experience from the broking or intermediary side of insurance is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Support the General Counsel in serving as a legal advisor to the U.S. retail insurance brokerage business, covering both specialty and retail insurance broking lines.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the U.S. leadership team, contributing to business strategy, governance, and operational planning.
• Participate in executive-level discussions as appropriate, providing legal insight on commercial, regulatory, risk mitigation and structural matters.
• Assist in developing and implementing legal policies, procedures, and frameworks tailored to high-growth business model.
• Support U.S. governance structures and help ensure alignment with global standards.
• Advise on regulatory, brokerage, licensing, and compliance across multiple states and lines of business.
• Help ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as industry-specific regulations.
• Provide expertise in NAIC guidelines, state Departments of Insurance (DOIs), and relevant federal regulatory bodies.
• Monitor evolving regulatory landscapes and proactively manage legal risk.
• Assist in managing U.S.-based litigation and disputes, coordinating with external counsel as needed.
• Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies in partnership with business leaders.
• Partner closely with the Chief Risk Officer, Chief Data Privacy Officer, and IT for the US business to build compliant systems that allow for fast, disciplined growth while remaining compliant with a complex web of legal and regulatory operational mandates.
• Work closely with the General Counsel to help build and mentor the U.S. legal team over time.
• Collaborate with existing legal colleagues in the region and leverage the broader Howden Group legal function.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Paid parental leave
• Life and Disability insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree