Join the World's Top Legal Talent Network

Provide institutional and retail asset management lines of business with legal advice and transaction support and develop strong business partner relationships throughout Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Apply a solid background and grounding in the federal securities law and rules of self regulatory organizations and experience in their application, in particular the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder. Make recommendations for decision-making and courses of action that comply with both company and industry practices, while outlining trade-off of business and legal risk and defining a range of solutions wherever possible. Ensure prudent and effective controls and risk mitigation strategies are implemented. Work under the supervision of Counsel.

About Ameriprise:

At Ameriprise Financial, we’re not just in the business of helping clients with their financial goals – we also help our advisors and employees reach their true potential by embracing an inclusive and collaborative culture. We celebrate the unique qualities and reward the contributions of our talented, passionate employees. If you’re motivated and want to work for a strong, ethical company that cares about you and your community, take the next step with Ameriprise Financial.

Ameriprise Financial is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, gender identity, disability, veteran status, marital status, family status or any other basis prohibited by law.​

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to Columbia Threadneedle Investments lines of business regarding products, services and operations, training/client disclosure material, contracts, and other legal matters relevant to the line of business supported. Analyze and assess risk in relatively straightforward cases or those which the General Counsel's Office has dealt with previously to offer precedent, but also comfortable addressing non-routine matters. Offer legal insight to aid in business decision-making consistent with goals and objectives. Work with/manage relationships with outside counsel, as required.
• Manage certain regulatory filing processes for the lines of business supported and ensure timely and accurate filings that comply with industry regulations and standards. Mitigate risk to the business.
• Review proposals and agreements drafted by our Contract Office or presented by the business. Edit and recommend alternatives based on a sold legal perspective and experience.
• Monitor laws and regulations to ensure compliance within the business line supported and enterprise overall, as appropriate. Escalate concerns and offer recommendations for solutions to issues that arise. Monitor the results of solution implementation. Benchmark evolving industry standards and practices.
• Work with non-U.S. affiliates, attorneys, and clients.
• Negotiate and draft agreements within purview of role and lines of business based on legal experience and knowledge of subject matter. Utilize assistance from other legal staff, as needed.
• Negotiate various forms of investment management agreements with institutional clients and intermediary agreements with broker/dealers, wrap program sponsors, insurance companies and other intermediaries.
• Assist with maintenance of 529 plan offering documents.

• J.D.
• 1-3 years’ relevant experience.
• Proficiency in computer-based legal research and document preparation, such as Westlaw, Lexis, and Microsoft office applications.
• Demonstrate accuracy, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness in legal analysis and recommendations delivered both verbally and in writing.
• Strong relationship skills with ability to deliver tough messages to both senior managers and employees at all levels in line of business.
• Ability to drive results with minimum supervision and handle day-to-day inquiries independently with judgment as to when to escalate more complex matters.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across the GCO and enterprise, while working respectfully with colleagues and driving results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 - 5 years of experience with the financial services industry, in particular broker-dealers, investment advisers, asset management, and/or insurance, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Solid understanding of both general principles of law and regulations and those applicable to core practice area(s), in particular the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
• Solid drafting, research, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to communicate results to appropriate audiences and suggest risk assessed alternative courses of action.
• Ability to apply legal knowledge and analytical abilities to solve business problems and aid in decision-making in a commercial environment.
• Ability to master new bodies of legal knowledge as regulations and business objectives evolve.
• Comfort with interactions that are sometimes non-routine on complex matters.

About Our Company

We’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1 trillion in assets under management and administration. Our team of 20,000 people in more than 20 countries advise, manage and protect the assets and income of more than 2 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a long-standing leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses - Ameriprise Financial Services, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.

New York Residents Only: The estimated base salary for this role is $103,700 - $179,100 / year. Base salaries are determined in part based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role. We also have a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that support all aspects of your health and well-being.