Global Legal Counsel - Litigation - Associate Director

Overview

This role is for an experienced litigator to join the Global General Counsel’s Office (GCO) team. The position defends claims made against the organization, including professional malpractice, breach of contract, and securities class action litigation. The role also supports litigation defense across mediations, arbitrations, and other civil proceedings, and responds to subpoenas, inquiries, and investigations by regulators.

The position includes an advisory and risk management function, focusing on compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and firm policies across service lines.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of various litigation, enforcement matters, investigations, and internal investigations
• Advise and assist on matters involving cross-border issues or which could have significant financial or reputational impact
• Consult with partners and other stakeholders on potential or threatened litigation to avoid significant civil, criminal, or regulatory exposure
• Coordinate responses to regulatory subpoenas and preservation requests, including:
  • determining appropriate custodians
  • drafting the preservation notice
  • ensuring compliance
• Advise on professional responsibility and risk management issues, including:
  • client acceptance and continuances
  • conflicts of interest
  • document retention
  • independence and professional standards/guidance
  • restatements
  • special investigations
  • discovery of financial statement errors or potential client fraud
• Formulate defense strategies and tactical decisions in potential or active litigation matters involving the organization; consult with relevant stakeholders on defense strategies
• Work with outside counsel and actively manage outside counsel spend to ensure appropriate resource allocation
• Conduct interviews of potential expert witnesses and current or former personnel in connection with litigation or other matters
• Participate in mediations and other settlement negotiations to resolve disputes in a cost-effective manner
• Participate in preparing key litigation documents, including legal briefs, pleadings, and discovery requests
• Participate in preparing witnesses for testimony
• Develop and recommend organizational policy and positions on legal issues

Requirements

• Significant level of autonomy in making difficult and often nuanced decisions involving litigation, criminal, and regulatory proceedings
• Experience as an attorney with significant litigation, including trial and related experience
• Exceptionally strong analytical abilities to synthesize facts and law to determine actions
• Understanding of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the organization and its industry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with all levels of personnel (including firm leaders and managing partners)
• Demonstrated ability to create, plan, and successfully execute projects; ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to manage outside counsel effectively
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college (top of class preferred)
• Law degree from a top law school (top of class preferred)
• 6+ years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in a law firm or corporate legal department
• Requires active license as an attorney to practice law in the location where the resident office is located

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong team player with excellent negotiation and communication skills, plus cultural awareness
• Proactive attitude with positive mindset, high emotional intelligence, and demonstrated aptitude for resilience and flexibility
• Interest and ability to collaborate effectively across geographic locations
• Ability to grasp, understand, and effectively articulate and document complex legal and contractual principles

Compensation & Benefits

Canada

A competitive compensation package with performance-based rewards and a Total Rewards package that allows selection of benefits. Total Rewards includes:

• Discretionary bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage plan
• Defined contribution pension plan
• Vacation policy plus firm paid days
• Statutory holidays and paid personal days (based on province of residence)
• Additional programs and benefits designed to support physical, financial, and social well-being

Additional items include:

• Support and coaching from colleagues in the industry
• Learning opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• Freedom and flexibility in how work is handled

United States (pay transparency ranges)

Compensation ranges below are provided to comply with United States pay transparency laws. Individual salaries within these ranges are determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography.

• New York City, Boston, and Washington DC Metro Areas, Washington State, and Southern California offices: $252,900 to $455,100
• Bay Area California offices: $263,400 to $474,100
• All other offices locations in the US, including Sacramento: $210,700 to $417,200

Total Rewards includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and paid time off options. Under a flexible vacation policy, vacation time is determined based on personal circumstances, and time off is also granted for designated paid holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence.

Location

• New York City, Boston, Washington DC Metro Areas, Washington State, Southern California (specific office areas referenced via compensation ranges)
• Bay Area California offices
• Other US locations including Sacramento

Additional Information

• Accommodation: Applicants may be asked to describe any accommodation needed during recruitment.
• Application limit: Please limit applications to two within a six-month period.
• Ongoing acceptance: Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis.
• Misrepresentation: Any misrepresentation or falsification of information or lack of integrity during recruitment may result in withdrawal of candidacy, revocation of an offer, or termination of employment.