Assistant General Counsel, Client Solutions & Wealth Management

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 179,000 - 294,000; Full time

Job summary

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America in New York seeks an Assistant General Counsel to support Guardian’s Client Solutions & Wealth Management practice within the Law Department. You will provide legal advice to business partners regarding individual markets, wealth management offerings, and distribution of insurance products, while drafting agreements with distribution partners.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of experience, a JD licensed to practice in New York, and the ability to

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in life insurance and/or wealth management regulatory environment.
• JD and licensed to practice law in New York.
• Ability to address complex issues and communicate with business leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to CSWM partners regarding distribution of individual life products and wealth management offerings.
• Draft and facilitate agreements with distribution partners; help with succession of general agencies.
• Advise on new distribution and wealth management laws and regulations; ensure policies are compliant.

Skills

Legal advisory

Regulatory compliance

Contract drafting

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Guided by our company Purpose of “Inspiring well‑being for our colleagues, consumers, and communities,” we are committed to building a best-in‑class Law Department. We drive a high-performance culture across our Legal, Compliance, and Government Affairs functions, aligned to “what” we deliver (i.e., our goals and objectives) and “how” we demonstrate our values and behaviors while focusing on the customer. We do this through leveraging a series of core capabilities, which includes accountability, interpersonal effectiveness, ability to demonstrate business savvy, being a subject matter expert, all while supporting the Law Department’s Mission to be a trusted advocate and advisor to drive strategic solutions that advance Guardian’s purpose, priorities, and values.

Do you want to be part of a collaborative Legal Team? This role will support the day-to-day operations of Guardian’s Client Solutions & Wealth Management (“CSWM”) Practice in the Law Department. You will play a critical role in providing legal advice to business partners regarding Guardian’s individual markets business with a particular emphasis on the distribution of individual insurance products, and support for the company’s broker/dealer and registered investment adviser as well as supporting its advanced markets team. A successful candidate will have excellent research and organizational skills, and business judgment as you will be required to understand and manage the laws and regulations affecting individual insurance products and wealth management offerings and provide practical advice in a rapidly changing and high‑profile regulatory environment. You will also need to draft applicable agreements with distribution partners and help to facilitate the succession of general agencies. The ability to influence and drive proactive partnership in a changing business environment is critical. You will develop cross‑business connections, provide industry perspective and best practices guidance while considering long‑term outcomes and the needs of partners/clients when providing advice. You are Energized and excited by challenging goals; and reflected in a true sense of competitiveness and drive for results. Adaptable. You embrace ambiguity, complexity, uncertainty, and volatility. A strategic problem solver able to simplify strategic success and innovation. An effective communicator, with a proven record of influencing cross‑functional teams establishing and leading strong relationships with critical partners and executive stakeholders. Able to effectively convey ideas and engage in meaningful conversations. You will Provide advice and counsel to CSWM strategies and innovation initiatives in their organizations. Participate in external forums, build partnerships internally across Guardian, and help ensure that Guardian’s CSWM business practices and policies are compliant with applicable law. Advise and assist with the implementation of new distribution and wealth management related laws and regulations. Represent the practice group as a key advisor to stakeholders to establish, inform, and maintain company‑wide compliant policies. Provide effective, prompt compliance advice and support business compliance, rectifying problems, and responding to emerging challenges. Keep informed regarding pending industry changes, trends, and best practices and assess the potential impact of these changes on organizational processes. You have 7 – 10 years of experience, preferably in connection with the life insurance and/or wealth management industries. JD and licensed to practice law in New York Ability to address complex and challenging issues and communicate effectively with business leaders at all levels to optimize risk management, productivity, and communication. Ability to work in a dynamic, hands‑on, fast‑paced environment and respond to questions from business areas and a complex subsidiary organization. Respect for diversity and ideas of others, willingness to collaborate in a fast‑paced team environment and motivation skills required. Demonstrated leadership ability in an organizational setting, corporation integrity and strong interpersonal skills are essential to success.

Reporting Relationships As our Assistant General Counsel, you will report to the Associate General Counsel, CSWM.

Critical Competencies / Behaviors

• In accordance with our success factors of Acting with accountability, leading with the consumer at the center, committing to collaborate, communicating transparently, and connecting with empathy and compassion:
• Instills Trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Decision Quality: Makes sound and timely decisions that propel the organization forward
• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues, communicating clearly and professionally
• Customer Focus: Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer‑centric solutions
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Proven track record of communication to Executive level management and Board of Directors
• Values Differences: Recognizes the value that diverse perspectives and cultures bring to an organization and serves as a role model for inclusion and diversity

Salary Range: $178,690.00 - $293,560.00 The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill‑building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow