Associate Corporate Counsel

Franklin Templeton; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 155,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock investment program (ESI

Education assistance (LEAP)

Learning resources and career programs

Discretionary bonus opportunity

Job summary

Franklin Templeton is seeking a qualified attorney to provide strategic regulatory counsel in the U.S. investment management space. You will advise on SEC/Investment Advisers Act issues, draft key agreements, and partner with cross‑functional teams on evolving regulatory requirements.

The role emphasizes AI-enabled tools, digital advice programs, and collaboration with risk, compliance, and external counsel to support business objectives while maintaining investor protection.

Qualifications

• JD and license to practice law in the U.S. with state bar membership or in-house counsel certification.
• 4+ years’ experience in U.S. investment management, SEC, law firm, or similar.
• Experience advising FinTech clients and digital investment advice issues.
• Experience using AI in providing legal advice.
• Knowledge of Investment Advisers Act and SEC/CFTC laws.
• Understanding financial regulatory and policy issues in investment management.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task and communicate effectively.
• Ability to collaborate with FT legal team, FT compliance, regulators, and industry groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and strategic counsel on regulatory matters under the Investment Advisers Act and other applicable securities laws.
• Lead strategic initiatives including digital advice programs, technology‑driven solutions and AI tools.
• Provide day‑to‑day advice to client‑facing advisory businesses on regulatory and risk issues.
• Draft investment management, sub‑advisory, and commercial agreements.
• Partner with investment, distribution, operations, and risk teams on legal implications.
• Interpret complex regulatory developments across jurisdictions and product structures.
• Support product lifecycle from concept through implementation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external counsel to balance business objectives with governance and investor protection.

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.