Associate Corporate Counsel

Franklin Templeton; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Coverage

401(k) Plan with generous match

Employee Stock Investment Plan (ESIP)

LEAP Education Assistance

Education expense reimbursement

Volunteering and wellbeing programs

Job summary

Franklin Templeton is seeking a senior in-house attorney to provide practical legal advice and strategic counsel across regulatory matters in the U.S. investment management space. The role supports digital initiatives, AI-driven solutions, and collaboration with multiple business units.

You will draft and negotiate agreements, oversee risk, and guide product lifecycles with governance and compliance in mind. A strong U.S. bar and 4+ years in this field are expected.

Qualifications

• JD and license to practice law in the U.S. (state bar membership) required.
• 4+ years’ experience in U.S. investment management or related regulatory practice.
• Experience advising FinTech clients and on digital investment advice matters.
• Experience using artificial intelligence (AI) in providing legal advice.
• Knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act, SEC/CFTC laws and industry regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and strategic counsel on regulatory matters under the Investment Advisers Act and other securities laws.
• Lead strategic initiatives including digital advice programs, AI-driven tools, and fintech partnerships.
• Advise client-facing advisory businesses on regulatory and risk issues, including time-sensitive matters.
• Draft investment management, sub‑advisory, and commercial agreements.
• Collaborate with investment, distribution, operations, and risk teams to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Interpret complex regulatory developments across jurisdictions and product structures.
• Support product lifecycle from concept to implementation with legal guidance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external counsel to deliver risk-based legal solutions.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Legal advice

Drafting agreements

Strategic counsel

Cross‑functional collaboration

AI in legal practice

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission in the United States

Tools

FinTech awareness

AI in law

Job description

At Franklin Templeton, we believe success is built through powerful partnerships. As a forward thinking asset manager, we build dynamic relationships with clients, understand their goals, and navigate complex markets together. We leverage cutting edge strategies and deep insights to unlock opportunities for long term wealth creation. Our talented, global teams bring expertise that is both broad and unique.

From our welcoming, inclusive, and supportive culture to our globally diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential, but also to contribute to our clients’ success.

About The Department

The Legal team provides practical legal advice and service to the broader organization by reviewing and analyzing the laws and regulations of the legal jurisdictions in which Franklin Templeton operates. Our in‑house corporate attorneys interpret these laws and regulations and advise the business on actions required to comply with legal and regulatory obligations. They also guide the business on appropriate courses of action to minimize risk from financial or reputational loss.

How You Will Add Value

• Provide legal advice and strategic counsel to Franklin Templeton businesses, investment advisers, advisory technology teams and senior management teams on regulatory matters arising under the Investment Advisers Act and other applicable securities laws and regulations.
• Lead and contribute to strategic business initiatives, including digital advice programs, technology‑driven solutions and tools (Fintech), industry partnerships, the adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI), and other transformational projects designed to enhance client experience and business growth.
• Provide day‑to‑day advice to client‑facing advisory businesses on a variety of (often time sensitive) regulatory and risk‑related issues, including novel issues.
• Draft agreements in support of business initiatives, including investment management agreements, sub‑advisory agreements, and commercial agreements.
• Partner closely with investment, distribution, operations, and risk teams to assess legal and regulatory implications of business activities, ensuring compliance with evolving industry requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Interpret and advise on complex regulatory developments impacting the management, operation, and distribution of investment advisory services across multiple jurisdictions and product structures.
• Support the development, launch, and ongoing management of investment products and fund offerings, providing legal guidance throughout the product lifecycle from concept through implementation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external counsel to deliver practical, risk‑based legal solutions that support commercial objectives while maintaining strong governance, regulatory compliance, and investor protection standards.

What Will Help You Be Successful In This Role

• JD and license to practice law in the U.S. (with state bar membership or certification as Registered In‑House Counsel).
• 4+ years’ experience in the U.S. investment management area with the SEC, a law firm, an investment management firm, or an industry trade group.
• Experience advising FinTech clients, and with issues involving digital investment advice, SMAs, model delivery businesses, and options would be helpful.
• Experience using artificial intelligence (AI) in connection with providing legal advice.
• Knowledge and experience with laws and regulations under the Investment Advisers Act and SEC/CFTC laws and regulations.
• An understanding of the financial regulatory and policy issues associated with the investment management business.
• A self‑directed individual with a high degree of attention to detail, ability to multi‑task and prioritize, and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with other members of the FT legal team, FT compliance, FT management, the staff of the SEC and other regulators and the staff of industry trade groups.

Compensation Range:

Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards—monetary and non‑monetary—designed to support their well‑being and recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a range of competitive healthcare options, insurance, and disability benefits, employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain education expenses, paid time off (vacation / holidays / sick / leave / parental & caregiving leave / bereavement / volunteering / floating holidays) and a motivational wellbeing program. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $155,000 - $183,500, depending on location and level of relevant experience, plus discretionary bonus.

Highlights Of Our Benefits Include

• Paid Time Off: Three weeks of PTO in your first year
• Health Coverage: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance to support your well‑being
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with an 85% company match on pre‑tax and/or Roth contributions, up to IRS limits
• Equity & Investing: Employee Stock Investment Plan (ESIP) with discounted share purchase opportunities
• Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP): To support your ongoing growth and career advancement
• Employee Investment Benefits: Opportunity to purchase company funds with no sales charge

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.