Job Description

At BNY, our culture empowers you to grow and succeed. As a leading global financial services company at the center of the world’s financial system we touch nearly 20% of the world’s investible assets. Every day around the globe, our 50,000+ employees bring the power of their perspective to the table to create solutions with our clients that benefit businesses, communities and people everywhere.    

We continue to be a leader in the industry, awarded as a top home for innovators and for creating an inclusive workplace. Through our unique ideas and talents, together we help make money work for the world. This is what #LifeAtBNY is all about.

 
An experienced attorney to serve as the lead day-to-day legal advisor for BNY nvestment Management’s distribution activities in North America. In particular, the attorney will serve as the lead lawyer for BNY Mellon Securities Corporation, a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer and the primary entity through which BNY investment management capabilities are marketed and distributed to clients in the U.S. In doing so, the attorney will be responsible for managing another attorney and paralegal. This attorney will be part of a larger team of legal professionals who will also be available to provide investment legal support for other investment management affiliates and related businesses, including banking and investment advisory lines of business. 
 
In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

Lead the day-to-day legal support to the BNY Mellon Investment Management North American Distribution business.
Lead support for all distribution and placement arrangements entered into with affiliates and third party intermediaries in the United States and Canada, including in connection with 1940 act-registered funds and separately managed account (SMA) advisory services.
Work with Compliance in drafting, updating and applying policies and procedures for investment management and distribution functions, as well as providing support in connection with relevant registration/disclosure forms (e.g., Form ADV and Form BD), regulatory exams and FINRA licensing/supervision matters.
Support for the Legal Department on key initiatives. This will at times include coordinating with global colleagues and other stakeholders on time sensitive matters. 
Advise on legal and regulatory matters and related developments concerning BNY Mellon Securities Corporation as an investment adviser and broker/dealer. 
Provide advice and assist in implementation of new product/service initiatives. 
The ideal candidate will have significant experience and expertise regarding the marketing and offer of registered funds (e.g., mutual funds; ETFs) as well as private funds offered under Regulation D, the direct offering of retail brokerage and investment advisory services to individuals, and related expertise regarding the associated SEC and FINRA regulations governing broker/dealers and investment advisers. 
The ideal candidate will also have experience regarding the offering of bank collective funds. 

To be successful in this role, we’re seeking the following: 

JD and licensed to practice in Florida or PA.
10+ years of relevant experience. 
Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to interact with senior decision makers. 
Critical analytical skills and ability to bring a holistic perspective to businesses that operate in a multi-faceted and changing legal/regulatory environment. 
Deep knowledge of Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933 and FINRA rules & guidance, with particular emphasis on areas impacting marketing and distribution of securities and investment advisory products and services (e.g., FINRA Rule 2210; SEC Marketing Rule; Form CRS and Regulation Best Interest). 
Experience in managing individuals and leading legal coverage for a function.
Ability to deal with a varied workload in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to prioritize matters and be adaptable.
Ability to build relationships with a variety of different internal clients.
Pragmatic, someone who looks for solutions rather than obstacles. The legal team is seen as a business partner and the successful candidate will be someone who is comfortable relating to and dealing with business colleagues as the role will involve frequent interaction with business colleagues.
Ability to identify and manage legal risks.
A clear communicator, concise and able to deliver legal advice in layman’s terms.
A team player. The ability to work harmoniously and responsively with one’s colleagues and clients is an essential pre-requisite for the role.
Enthusiastic, with a desire to develop one’s career in one of the world’s largest investment management businesses.

At BNY, our culture speaks for itself. Here’s a few of our awards: 

America’s Most Innovative Companies, Fortune, 2024
World’s Most Admired Companies, Fortune 2024
Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Corporate Equality Index, 100% score, 2023-2024
Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion, Disability: IN – 100% score, 2023-2024
“Most Just Companies”, Just Capital and CNBC, 2024
Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, Top performing company for Sustainability, 2024
Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index (GEI), 2023

Our Benefits and Rewards:

BNY offers highly competitive compensation, benefits, and wellbeing programs rooted in a strong culture of excellence and our pay-for-performance philosophy. We provide access to flexible global resources and tools for your life’s journey. Focus on your health, foster your personal resilience, and reach your financial goals as a valued member of our team, along with generous paid leaves, including paid volunteer time, that can support you and your family through moments that matter. 

BNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups/Females/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.