Registered Funds Senior Counsel

Vanguard; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a talented attorney to join the Office of the General Counsel to provide legal advice on matters related to the Investment Company Act of 1940. You will counsel on fund formation, governance, compliance, and strategic initiatives, partnering with business leaders to shape products and initiatives for investors.

The role requires a JD and admission to practice, with at least four years of relevant experience, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Minimum four years related legal work experience with a focus on the Investment Company Act of 1940.
• Law degree (JD) required; admission to practice in relevant jurisdiction.
• Strong working knowledge of SEC regulations, fund governance, disclosure obligations, and investment adviser compliance.
• Familiarity with BDCs, closed-end funds (tender offer and interval funds) preferred.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate complex regulatory concepts clearly to business partners.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the Investment Company Act of 1940 and related rules and regulations impacting Vanguard’s registered funds, business activities, investment product development, transactions, and regulatory matters.
• Draft and negotiate legal documents such as registration statements, shareholder communications, regulatory filings, advisory agreements, and other fund-related documents.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory developments related to Vanguard's business activities and investment products to assess impact and implement updates.
• Represent Vanguard’s interests with third parties, including government agencies such as the SEC.
• Direct and manage outside counsel on complex fund-related matters.
• Maintain deep expertise in registered funds, regulatory law, Vanguard’s business and products, and industry best practices; stay current on SEC guidance, rulemaking, and enforcement trends.
• Mentor junior attorneys and legal staff and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Investment Company Act of 1940

SEC regulations

Fund governance

Regulatory compliance

Drafting & Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission in relevant jurisdiction

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

Job description

Vanguard’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is a trusted partner in advancing the firm’s mission to give investors the best chance for investment success. In this role, you will provide the organization with legal advice and representation on matters related to the Investment Company Act of 1940. You will advise on fund formation, governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives. You will partner with business leaders to help shape new and existing products and collaborate on high-impact initiatives focused on driving value for investors.

Responsibilities:

• Advise on the Investment Company Act of 1940 and related rules and regulations impacting Vanguard’s registered funds, business activities, investment product development, transactions, and regulatory matters. Ensure that business activities, policies, practices, and transactions comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Draft and negotiate legal documents such as registration statements, shareholder notifications, regulatory filings, advisory agreements, and other fund-related documents.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory developments related to Vanguard's business activities and investment products to assess the impact, analyze any changes required, and implement updates as necessary.
• Represent Vanguard’s interests with third parties, including government agencies such as the SEC.
• Direct and manage outside counsel on complex fund-related matters.
• Maintain deep expertise in registered funds, regulatory law, Vanguard’s business and products, and industry best practices. Stay current on SEC guidance, rulemaking, and enforcement trends.
• Mentor junior attorneys and legal staff and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum four years related legal work experience with a focus on the Investment Company Act of 1940.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Law degree (JD) required; admission to practice in relevant jurisdiction.
• Strong working knowledge of SEC regulations, fund governance, disclosure obligations, and investment adviser compliance. Familiarity with BDCs, closed-end funds (tender offer and interval funds) preferred.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills. Ability to communicate complex regulatory concepts clearly to business partners.

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.