Bernstein - Counsel

Responsibilities

Bernstein is a global joint venture between AllianceBernstein and Société Générale focused on Equity Research, Sales, and Trading, with approximately 800 employees worldwide.  The Counsel role will sit within the Bernstein Legal Department, working with a small global team of attorneys who advise on all legal topics in connection with the business, including regulatory matters, contract negotiation, employment issues, litigation and enforcement, and corporate secretarial work.  This is an exciting opportunity offering exposure to a wide range of legal issues in Bernstein, which is a standalone business operating within the Societe Generale Group, with its own unique brand, history, and culture.  In addition to advising the Bernstein business globally, you will also work with colleagues at both parent companies on joint initiatives and efforts.

Responsibilities include:

·       Serve as the primary point of contact for client agreement and vendor contract negotiation in the Americas.

·       Assist in identifying and analyzing the legal and regulatory issues relating to a global research, sales, trading, and cash equities business, including client onboarding documentation, trading execution, and the rules, policies and market practices related to managing the interactions between research department and equity capital markets personnel and the distribution of Société Générale’s equity capital markets offerings.

·       Assist legal and compliance departments in advising on communication strategies with regulators and ensuring Bernstein maintains good relationships with its global regulators.

·       Assist in corporate governance and corporate secretarial work and ensuring adequate reporting to senior management.

·       Work on subpoena responses and assist in handling litigation/regulatory enforcement matters generally.

·       Liaising with external and in-house counsels globally.

Profile required

Basic Qualifications:

·       2+ years’ experience at a leading law firm or as an in-house attorney in a corporate legal department (preferably at another financial institution).

·       Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

·       Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal counsel and navigate complex legal issues.

·       Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

·       Maturity, pragmatism, good judgment and business sense, with a strong work ethic, and strong stakeholder management.

·       Proven ability to work collaboratively to solve complex issues in a tight timeframe.

·       Professional proficiency in English

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Knowledge of and experience with the rules applicable to a global cash equities sales, trading and equity research and equity capital markets businesses.

·       Experience supporting legal and regulatory matters within a global financial institution.

The role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and includes a competitive benefits package including 401(k) plan with company match, Medical/Dental/Vision, and other benefits for fertility, wellness, student loans and commuters. Actual base salary offer will vary based on skills and experience.