Director, Associate Counsel – Wealth

Cohen & Steers; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Cohen & Steers in New York is seeking a Director, Associate Counsel – Wealth to provide legal support for the firm’s U.S. registered funds and related products. The role involves collaborating with senior management, attending board meetings, and managing regulatory issues.

Applicants should have a law degree and 2-4 years of experience in-house or at a leading law firm. Strong communication, multi-tasking, and collaborative skills are crucial. The job requires working on-site four days a week.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of related experience in-house, regulatory, or at a leading law firm required.
• Intelligent, bright, and quick learner with the ability to assess a situation.
• Demonstrates inclusive behaviors in support of diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on U.S. registered funds and related practices.
• Draft organizational documents, board actions, and service provider contracts.
• Work closely with senior management and compliance teams.

Skills

Knowledge of securities laws

Negotiating and drafting contracts

Excellent communication skills

Conceptual thinking

Multi-tasking

Team player

Education

Law degree

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Director, Associate Counsel – Wealth

Department: Legal & Compliance

Reports To: Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel – Wealth

FLSA Code: Exempt

Estimated Salary: $210,000 - $245,000

Job Summary

Associate Counsel will work with Associate General Counsel, Associate Counsel, paralegals and other staff to provide legal support for the firm’s U.S. registered funds, sub-advisory relationships and other retail products, including separately managed accounts and model-based programs. Will work closely with senior management and other teams across the firm including fund administration and compliance and will handle regulatory issues and general legal matters. Cohen & Steers is committed to an inclusive culture, valuing diversity in support of our people and clients.

Major Responsibilities/Activities

• Provide legal advice and support on issues relating to the firm’s U.S. registered open- and closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, retail separately managed accounts, model-based programs and sub-advisory relationships with particular emphasis on contracts, distribution, product development, marketing and sales practices
• Assist in preparation of materials for board meetings; attend board meetings and draft minutes
• Draft organizational documents, board actions, investment management agreements and service provider contracts
• Handle regulatory issues, general legal matters and work closely with the compliance and fund administration team
• Preparation and filing of annual prospectus updates and draft registration statements for new funds and series; oversee all other required 1940 Act filings
• Review and negotiate distribution, platform and other agreements with fund intermediaries
• Work closely with senior management

Minimum Requirements

• Attorney with top credentials, at least 2-4 years of related experience in-house, regulatory, or leading law firm required
• Has detailed knowledge of securities laws applicable to registered investment companies including the Investment Company Act of 1940
• Experience with the following:
  • Open-end funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds and other registered products
  • Legal issues relating to asset management
  • Negotiating and drafting contracts
• Intelligent, bright, conceptual thinker and a quick learner with the ability to quickly assess a situation and generate new insights and usable ideas
• Outstanding reputation of professional integrity and have the potential to be immediately, personally credible within the organization and in the investment and client communities
• Hardworking with an ability to multi-task in a dynamic work environment
• An independent entrepreneurial self-starter with the ability to get things done
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Consensus builder and team player with the ability to work well on a team and within an organization
• Cultural skills and sensitivities to work effectively in a global organization
• In-office collaboration in critical
• Law degree required
• Demonstrates inclusive behaviors in support of a culture that values diverse perspectives
• Agrees to comply with the firm’s hybrid work policy (as aligned with the Company’s employee handbook), which currently requires reporting to the Company’s New York City office four (4) days per week, with one (1) remote workday permitted

Experience with the following is preferred, but not required

• Knowledge of securities laws applicable to registered investment advisers including the Investment Adviser’s Act of 1940
• Experience with the following:
  • Separately managed accounts and model-based programs
  • Sub-advisory relationships
  • Compliance policies and procedures
  • ISDA Master Agreements and other ancillary documentation for derivatives business
  • Issues faced by Broker/Dealers