Global Legal Counsel - Litigation - Associate Director

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced litigator to join its Global General Counsel’s Office (GCO) team. This role involves defending claims made against the organization, including professional malpractice, breach of contract claims, and securities class action litigation. The position also supports litigation-related risk management and provides advice on compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and firm policies across service lines.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of litigation, enforcement matters, investigations, and internal investigations
• Advise on matters involving cross-border issues or those that could have 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:
  • determining appropriate custodians
  • drafting preservation notices
  • ensuring compliance
• Advise on professional responsibility and risk management topics, including:
  • client acceptance and continuances
  • conflicts of interest
  • document retention
  • independence and professional standards
  • guidance on restatements and special investigations
  • discovery of financial statement errors and potential client fraud
• Develop defense strategies and tactical decisions in potential or active litigation involving the organization, and 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
• Participate in preparing key litigation documents, including legal briefs, pleadings, and discovery requests
• Participate in preparing witnesses for testimony
• Develop and recommend policy and positions on legal issues

Requirements

• Significant autonomy in making difficult and nuanced decisions involving litigation, criminal, and regulatory proceedings
• Experience as an attorney with significant litigation experience, including trial and related experience
• Exceptional 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, with the ability to interface and communicate effectively and diplomatically with all levels of personnel (including firm leaders and managing partners)
• Demonstrated ability to create, plan, and 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)
• A 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 / Skills and Attributes for Success

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

Compensation ranges are provided to comply with United States pay transparency laws. Other geographies will follow local salary guidelines.

• 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 in the US (including Sacramento): $210,700 to $417,200

Individual salaries within these ranges are determined based on factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography.

In addition, the Total Rewards package includes:

• Medical and dental coverage
• Pension and 401(k) plans
• Paid time off options, including a flexible vacation policy
• Time off for designated paid holidays, winter/summer breaks, personal/family care, and other leaves of absence

For Canada (where applicable), Total Rewards includes 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, Washington DC Metro Areas, Washington State, Southern California
• Bay Area California
• All other US office locations (including Sacramento)

Additional Information

• This posting relates to an existing vacancy within the organization.
• Please limit applications to two within a six-month period.
• The organization accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
• Accommodation may be provided during the recruitment process; applicants should describe any accommodation needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis (including arrest and conviction records), in accordance with applicable law.

Recruitment Agency Notice

Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted. Resumes submitted without a prior agreement or request from the hiring team will not be considered, and the organization is not responsible for related fees.