Global Legal Counsel - Litigation - Associate Director

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced litigator to join the Global General Counsel’s Office (GCO) team. This role involves actively managing and participating in the defense of claims, including professional malpractice, breach of contract, and securities class action litigation, as well as responding to subpoenas, inquiries, and investigations by regulators. The position also provides advisory and risk management support to address compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and firm policies across all service lines.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of litigation, enforcement matters, investigations, and internal investigations.
• Advise and assist on matters involving cross-border issues or those with significant financial or reputational impact.
• Consult with partners and other stakeholders on potential or threatened litigation to help avoid significant civil, criminal, or regulatory exposure.
• Coordinate responses to regulatory subpoenas and preservation requests, including identifying appropriate custodians, drafting preservation notices, and ensuring compliance.
• Advise on professional responsibility and risk management topics, including client acceptance and continuances, conflicts of interest, document retention, independence, professional standards and guidance, restatements, special investigations, and discovery of financial statement errors or potential client fraud.
• Develop defense strategies and other tactical decisions for potential or active litigation matters involving the organization; consult with relevant stakeholders on defense strategy.
• Work with outside counsel and actively manage outside counsel spend to ensure resources are appropriately used.
• 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.
• Assist in preparing key litigation documents, including legal briefs, pleadings, and discovery requests.
• Participate in preparing witnesses for testimony.
• Develop and recommend organization policy and positions on legal issues.

Requirements

• Significant autonomy in making difficult and often nuanced decisions involving litigation, criminal, and regulatory proceedings.
• Experience as an attorney with significant litigation experience, including trial and related experience.
• Exceptionally strong analytical abilities to synthesize facts and law to determine appropriate actions.
• Understanding of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the organization and its industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interface effectively and diplomatically with all levels of personnel, including firm leaders and managing partners.
• Demonstrated ability to create, plan, and successfully execute projects and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to manage outside counsel effectively.
• 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 an active license as an attorney to practice law in the location where the resident office is located.

Preferred Qualifications (Skills and Attributes for Success)

• Strong team player with excellent negotiation and communication skills and cultural awareness.
• Proactive attitude and positive mindset, with high emotional intelligence; demonstrated resilience, flexibility, and ability to adapt.
• 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

US pay transparency ranges

Compensation ranges are provided to comply with United States pay transparency laws. Individual salaries are determined based on 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

The Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and paid time off options, including time off for designated paid holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence.

Canada benefits (if applicable)

A comprehensive Total Rewards package may include a discretionary bonus program, comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage, a defined contribution pension plan, vacation plus firm paid days, statutory holidays, and paid personal days (based on province of residence).

Location

• New York City, Boston, and Washington DC Metro Areas, Washington State, and Southern California offices
• Bay Area California offices
• All other offices locations in the US, including Sacramento
• Canada (benefits package noted for Canada)