Legal Counsel - Wealth
**Overview
** First Citizens is seeking an exceptional attorney to join its Legal department as Counsel , with a focus on supporting its Wealth Management and Private Banking (Wealth) group. As one of its core businesses, Wealth has recently expanded, and experience and interest in investment advisory services and broker-dealer work will be valuable as you work alongside the growing Wealth team to tailor financial solutions to the unique needs of our customers.
The primary focus of your role as Counsel – Wealth will be to provide legal advice and guidance on federal and state regulatory matters relating to wealth management, with particular emphasis on registered investment adviser and broker-dealer issues. You will work with business and support teammates to provide support as the main point of contact for the Wealth business alongside compliance, risk, and operations partners. You will be handling day-to-day matters while helping shape the strategic future of the business, reviewing escalations, and interfacing with SEC and FINRA regulatory staff. You will be the “go-to” person who develops and maintains a strong relationship with the Wealth team and maintains a base for practices and related laws, regulations, and business operations. You will be a company leader located in the Legal Department, a high-energy group of legal professionals dedicated to exceptional client service, value, and trustworthy advice.
This is a dynamic role requiring flexibility, empathy, and most importantly, a growth mindset. The right candidate will bring a curiosity and enthusiasm to working on ideas across various disciplines to scale an already fast-growing business. Experience working with or for a registered investment advisor, broker dealer, corporate fiduciary/trust, or other regulated business is a plus.
This position requires a hybrid work schedule, 3 days a week in office at one of the locations listed.
**Responsibilities
**
- Being the go-to legal advisor on statutes and regulations related consumer wealth management, including, among others, the Investment Advisers Act, the Securities Exchange Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), Truth in Lending Act (TILA), as well as other rules/guidance promulgated by the SEC, FINRA, or the CFPB.
- Collaborating with Legal colleagues and internal clients in the development and execution of strategic growth initiatives with impact across both Wealth and the broader First Citizens organization.
- Coordinating legal support with risk, compliance, and business partners to implement practical, risk-calibrated solutions that support growth.
- Creating, reviewing and deploying foundational wealth management and private banking agreements with a focus on a digital-first strategy for clients.
- Supporting process improvements, operational escalations and enhancements and appropriately challenging the status quo to help build the operational infrastructure needed to effectively scale the Wealth business.
- Supervising outside counsel and effectively managing legal costs.
- Contributing to internal initiatives focused on a commitment to a best-in-class Legal department.
**Qualifications
** Juris Doctor (JD) Degree and 6 years of experience
Skills/Qualifications:
- Familiarity with US financial regulations, specifically those that impact private and institutional wealth management;
- Substantive experience or exposure to brokerage, investment advisory and related legal and regulatory areas including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, Regulation Best Interest, ERISA, Form ADV, Form CRS;
- Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills exhibited by the ability to team up and build relationships with others;
- Strong legal judgment and the ability to apply legal knowledge toward practical solutions;
- Independent, well organized, and able to prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously;
- Eagerness to work on different legal matters/topics including those outside primary areas of expertise;
- Experience working in support of high-level, strategic leaders and strong attention to detail;
- D. and strong academic credentials; and
- Active and in good standing membership to at least one state bar in which the bank is located.
**Additional Requirements
**
- Work well under pressure and have a tolerance for ambiguity;
- Work independently and exercise independent judgment and discretion
- Successfully manage multiple and varied projects simultaneously and independently while exercising independent judgment and discretion;
- Problem solving and collaboration skills working with others in a team-first environment.
- Strong Microsoft Office capabilities and ability to implement and learn new software applications.
