Global Legal Counsel - Litigation - Associate Director

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced litigator to join the Global General Counsel’s Office (GCO) team. The role defends claims made against the organization, including professional malpractice, breach of contract, and securities class action litigation. The position also manages and participates in litigation, mediations, arbitrations, and other civil proceedings, and responds to subpoenas, inquiries, and investigations by regulators. It includes an advisory and risk management function focused on compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and firm policies across all 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 matters that could have significant financial or reputational impact
• Consult with partners and other stakeholders regarding 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 the preservation notice, and ensuring compliance
• Advise on professional responsibility and risk management issues, including:
  • client acceptance and continuances
  • conflicts of interest
  • document retention
  • independence
  • professional standards and guidance
  • restatements
  • special investigations
  • discovery of financial statement errors or potential client fraud
• Develop defense strategies and tactical decisions in potential or active litigation matters involving the organization, and consult on these strategies with relevant stakeholders
• Work with outside counsel and actively manage outside counsel spend to ensure appropriate resourcing
• 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 cost-effectively
• 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 experience, 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 interface and 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
• 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

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Strong team player with excellent negotiation and communication skills and cultural awareness
• Proactive attitude and positive mindset, high emotional intelligence, and demonstrated aptitude for resilience, flexibility, and adapting 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

United States (pay transparency ranges)

Compensation ranges are provided to comply with United States pay transparency laws.

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

Canada

Compensation includes a discretionary bonus program and a comprehensive Total Rewards package that may include comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage; a defined contribution pension plan; a vacation policy plus firm paid days; statutory holidays; paid personal days (based on province of residence); and programs and benefits designed to support physical, financial, and social well-being.

Location

• New York City, Boston, and Washington DC Metro Areas, Washington State, and Southern California offices
• Bay Area California offices
• All other office locations in the US, including Sacramento

Additional Information

• This posting relates to an existing vacancy within the organization.
• For candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process, accommodation requests should be described.
• Please limit applications to two within a six-month period.
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
• Any misrepresentation or falsification of information, or lack of integrity at any point in the recruiting process, may result in withdrawal of candidacy, revocation of an offer, or termination of employment.
• The organization uses artificial intelligence tools as one element of the recruitment process; human judgment and decision-making remain integral.
• Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted and will not be considered without a prior agreement or request from the hiring team.