VP/Counsel - Private Wealth Management

AllianceBernstein • Nashville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Legal and Compliance Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with all of the legal and regulatory requirements to which AB is subject, protecting the firm from regulatory and reputational risk across the globe, and strengthening the firm’s culture of compliance. We do this through collaborative partnership with the business units we support by providing thoughtful and timely advice. In addition, the department conducts global monitoring and training activities that prevent, detect and mitigate regulatory and reputational risk. The advice coupled with the monitoring and training activities provide the framework to support the firm’s business strategy and objectives while maintaining a high standard for integrity. As VP/Counsel – Private Wealth Management, you will provide practical, business-oriented legal advice and support to the Private Wealth Management business, working closely with the SVP Head of Private Wealth Management, PWM Legal team members, and AB legal, compliance, business, and operations professionals. You will advise on a broad range of matters impacting AB’s investment adviser and broker-dealer activities, including product development, client and vendor arrangements, account operations, regulatory considerations, and other strategic initiatives supporting the PWM business.

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
• 5+ years of legal experience, including in-house or law firm experience with a focus on investment management, private wealth, trusts and estates, and/or financial services.
• Experience with contract drafting and negotiations (e.g., vendor agreements, investment management agreements, client agreements).
• Ability to balance legal risks with commercial considerations.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.
• High integrity and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to one or more of the following areas is a plus: Investment adviser and/or broker-dealer regulations (e.g., SEC and FINRA).
• Private wealth management (i.e. for high net worth clients), separately managed accounts, and/or commingled investment products (e.g., mutual funds and ETFs).
• Assessment and resolution of client complaints.
• Trusts and estates, ERISA, or IRS regulations.
• Alternative investments, derivatives, or complex products.
• Cross-border legal considerations.
• Understanding of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
• Experience or interest in utilization of technological tools where it may enhance efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support of PWM’s operations for AB’s investment adviser and broker-dealer, regarding product development, custody arrangements, credit and lending arrangements, alternative and complex investments, and 401(k) and cash balance plan businesses.
• Perform substantive review of escalated client-related communications, to help assess whether they are considered complaints and any associated obligations.
• Work closely with AB’s compliance team to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations (SEC, FINRA, state regulators, etc.).
• Drafting and negotiation of client, vendor, and other material agreements.
• Provide advice and support to PWM business and operations personnel responsible for account opening and operations.
• Perform periodic substantive reviews of client related documentation and agreements.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of internal policies and procedures.
• Special projects as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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