Counsel, Wealth Management & Advisor Growth (HYBRID)

EQH • Charlotte, NC

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

Equitable is seeking a highly motivated, business-oriented attorney to serve as Counsel, Wealth Management & Advisor Growth. The role is the primary legal partner to Equitable’s Wealth Management business, supporting strategic growth initiatives, recruitment and onboarding of experienced financial professionals, acquisitions of books of business, and expansion of the advisor platform. The position involves advising senior business leaders and working at the intersection of law, business strategy, and financial services to address complex challenges and support the long-term success of the business.

The attorney will structure, draft, and negotiate transactional arrangements, including asset purchase agreements, asset retention agreements, loan agreements, promissory notes, recruiting and transition agreements, and related documentation. The role also advises on restrictive covenants, candidate applications, hiring and onboarding documents, and legal matters such as debt recovery and enforcement actions. The position partners closely with Compliance, Litigation, Risk, outside counsel, and business leaders, while identifying legal and regulatory risks and developing practical, scalable processes.

The position offers a flexible hybrid schedule with an on-site presence of 2–3 days per week. The total targeted compensation range is $220,000–$274,000, with compensation varying based on skills, experience, geographic location, and other factors. Eligible employees may receive performance-based compensation opportunities and a benefits package.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing.
• At least 5 years of legal experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal environment, with significant experience supporting wealth management firms, broker-dealers, RIAs, or financial advisor platforms.
• Demonstrated success advising business leaders on complex transactional, commercial, and strategic matters.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and deal-structuring expertise, including experience managing sophisticated agreements and high-value transactions.
• Experience advising on restrictive covenant matters, including non-solicitation, non-compete, and advisor transition arrangements.
• Exceptional business judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives while providing practical, solution-oriented advice.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and transactions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills, and ability to build trusted relationships across legal, compliance, and business teams.

Nice To Haves

• In-house legal experience within a financial services, wealth management, broker-dealer, or RIA organization.
• Experience supporting financial advisor recruiting, onboarding, succession planning, or acquisitions of books of business.
• Familiarity with the legal and regulatory landscape affecting financial professionals and advisory businesses.
• Experience partnering with senior executives on strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, and business transformation efforts.
• Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for solving complex business challenges and driving meaningful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead legal advisor to Equitable’s Wealth Management business, partnering with leadership on strategic growth initiatives, advisor recruitment transactions, and acquisitions of books of business.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate complex transactions, including asset purchase agreements, asset retention agreements, loan agreements, promissory notes, recruiting and transition agreements, and ancillary documentation.
• Provide legal guidance for recruitment and onboarding of experienced financial professionals and advisor groups.
• Support acquisitions of books of business by Equitable and by existing Equitable financial professionals.
• Advise on restrictive covenant matters, including non-solicitation, non-compete, and transition-related provisions.
• Review and provide guidance on financial professional candidate applications, hiring agreements, and onboarding documentation.
• Lead engagements with outside counsel and manage complex legal matters, including debt recovery and enforcement actions involving financial professionals.
• Partner with Compliance, Litigation, Risk, and business leaders on regulatory, operational, and transactional considerations.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and provide practical, business-focused solutions that support growth objectives.
• Develop and refine scalable legal processes to improve efficiency and support the evolving Wealth Management business.

Benefits

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off.
• Base salary increases, spot bonuses, and short-term incentive compensation opportunities for eligible employees, depending on level and functional area of responsibility.
• Growth opportunities and internal mobility.
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits supporting overall well-being.

What This Job Offers

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