Senior Counsel

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Review, draft, and negotiate client contracts and related documents for retirement plan recordkeeping, trust, advisory, and other services; provide guidance in support of Empower’s retirement plan services business, including corporate, government, non-profit, union, multi-employer, and institutional plans; advise on the development of RFPs and other related documents in close collaboration with a team of contract specialists and other members of the Legal Department.

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts with vendors, including service agreements, sourcing agreements, statements of work, non-disclosure agreements, software licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, amendments, and other contractual documents with third-party providers.

• Lead complex commercial transactions and offer strategic legal advice, working proactively with business leadership and anticipating issues that may arise to achieve successful outcomes.

• Exhibit an in-depth understanding of agreement terms and conditions and nuances in contract language, applying sophisticated legal analysis and judgment to identify and comprehend legal aspects of business issues, including an accurate assessment of contractual risk.

• Interact effectively with all levels of management, alliance partners, internal associates, clients, vendors, and external counsel, clearly articulating legal and commercial issues.

• Provide guidance on contract terms, business positions, and the contracting process.

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the legal subject matter of the role and the legal and regulatory environments that impact the business.

• Adapt well to change and proactively seek opportunities for learning.

• Build relationships with business stakeholders and act as a key point of contact for contract inquiries and issues.

• Analyze complex issues and develop legal strategies to ensure business goals are achieved legally and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Provide legal insights and support to internal teams on contract matters, including structuring, contract interpretation, compliance and enforcement, risk assessment, and legal and regulatory compliance.

• Execute additional projects and duties as assigned to support business initiatives, including assisting with transactional due diligence and facilitating the closure of potential deals such as acquisitions, mergers, reorganizations, or other corporate transactions.

• Research, interpret, and advise on federal/state laws and regulations as necessary in support of business and legal matters.

• Contribute to a culture of innovation and growth while effectively managing risk.

• Demonstrate strong mentoring and leadership skills based on the area of responsibility.

• Proactively identify challenges, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions.

• Assist in the development, maintenance, and improvement of standard contract documents and templates, policies, contract compliance requirements, and other documentation.

• Work to assess and refine repeatable processes to enhance efficiency, improve compliance, and reduce risk; under the direction of supervising counsel, develop and manage resources to elevate service levels.

• Manage multiple competing priorities while meeting deadlines and achieving positive results.

• Work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, providing guidance and expertise to colleagues.

⛳️ Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• Licensed and admitted to practice in good standing with the state bar.

• 5+ years of relevant legal experience in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex agreements with large, sophisticated clients.

• Financial services and retirement services industry knowledge is strongly desired.

• In-depth knowledge of contract law fundamentals and the ability to skillfully work on a wide range of agreements.

• Exceptional ability to interface with various individuals, including departmental associates, procurement professionals, sales/relationship managers, external clients, vendors, and business and legal counterparts.

• Dedication to customer service, a team player, and a willingness to take on new tasks as needed.

• Commitment to delivering optimal solutions promptly, balancing customer needs with the best interests of the company.

• Initiative to generate, suggest, and advocate ideas that help minimize risk and enhance the quality of customer services.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with an ability to prioritize among different projects and deadlines.

• Discretion, sensitivity, and integrity in handling confidential information.

• Proficient in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.

• General understanding of privacy laws and data protection constructs.

• Some familiarity with mutual fund participation/partnership agreements, service/distribution agreements, broker/dealer selling agreements, and associated regulatory frameworks and laws is desirable.

• ***Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.***

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contributions, and a broad investment lineup.

• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year.

• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans.

• Generous paid time off upon hire – including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year.

• Paid volunteer time — 16 hours per calendar year.

• Leave of absence programs – including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).

• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) – BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work, and play. BRGs are open to all.