Counsel, Wealth Management & Advisor Growth (HYBRID)

Equitable•Charlotte, NC

1d•$220,000 - $274,000•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 for 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. It works at the intersection of law, business strategy, and financial services, partnering with senior leaders to shape initiatives and address complex challenges. The position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, with on-site presence 2–3 days per week. The total targeted compensation range is $220,000–$274,000, with compensation varying based on skills, experience, geographical location, and other factors. Eligible employees may receive base salary increases, spot bonuses, and short-term incentive compensation opportunities. Eligible employees also receive benefits including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and 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 ability to balance legal risk with business objectives while delivering 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 impacting financial professionals and advisory businesses.
Experience partnering with senior executives on strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, and business transformation efforts.
Collaborative mindset and passion for solving complex business challenges and driving meaningful outcomes.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead legal advisor to Equitable's Wealth Management business and partner with leadership on strategic growth initiatives, advisor recruitment transactions, and acquisitions of books of business.
Structure, draft, and negotiate complex transactional arrangements, including asset purchase agreements, asset retention agreements, loan agreements, promissory notes, recruiting and transition agreements, and related 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 deliver practical, business-focused solutions that support growth objectives.
Develop and refine scalable legal processes to improve efficiency and support the evolving Wealth Management business.