Company Overview: Steward Partners is an employee-owned, full-service leading independent private financial services firm, with professionals delivering multifaceted financial solutions and comprehensive service to our client’s and their families.
Steward Partners caters to family, institutional and multigenerational investors delivering comprehensive wealth planning and investment strategy implementation, professional asset management services, private banking, institutional consulting, international advisory and business solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive client service with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Position Overview The Associate General Counsel will provide legal support and expertise for the wealth management business, with primary focus on employment law counseling and litigation management. This role will serve as lead counsel on litigation matters (including FINRA and AAA proceedings) involving industry, employee, and customer disputes, and provide strategic guidance on employment issues across the employee lifecycle. The role will also support other areas of the business including regulatory compliance, contracts, M&A transactions, and corporate law. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in the wealth management industry with strong employment counseling and litigation capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage litigation (including FINRA and AAA arbitrations), subpoenas, and dispute resolution processes, including reviewing pleadings, developing strategy, and discovery matters
- Provide hands-on oversight of external litigation counsel to ensure efficient, high-quality representation
- Provide and manage delivery of legal advice on a range of employment and compensation matters, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee benefits/ERISA matters, health and welfare plans, wage and hour, pay equity, performance management, internal investigations, terminations, retirement plans, advisor transitions, licensing and registration, mergers, acquisitions and outsourcing
- Advise on (draft, negotiate, and/or review) employment-related policies and procedures and a range of employment-related documents, including offer letters, employment contracts, separation agreements, confidentiality provisions, and restrictive covenant agreements
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address FINRA, SEC, and state regulatory matters and customer complaints
- Provide legal guidance and support on other areas of the wealth management business as requested, including regulatory compliance, contracts, M&A transactions and corporate law.
- Support the General Counsel in developing and executing legal department strategy and initiatives.
- Develop and implement legal documents, policies and procedures to support business objectives while managing risk
- Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory developments impacting advisor transitions, employment and litigation, and advise stakeholders accordingly.
- Represent the firm as needed (including as corporate representative) in mediations, litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
- Travel as needed (less than 25%) for litigation matters including witness preparation, mediations, trials, and hearings
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with a state bar association
- 10+ years of legal experience, with significant exposure to employment law and litigation in the wealth management sector
- Demonstrable track record managing FINRA and AAA arbitrations. First-chair FINRA arbitration experience preferred
- Proven experience counseling on advisor transitions, restrictive covenants, and the Protocol for Broker Recruiting
- Strong knowledge of securities regulations (Investment Advisers Act, FINRA, ERISA) and employment law
- Excellent communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
- Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and collaborate effectively across functions
- Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- High ethical standards, collegiality, and growth mindset
Reports To: General Counsel
Location: Flexible across Steward Partners network of offices, hybrid and remote options are also available.
