Legal Counsel - Wealth at First Citizens Bank

First Citizens is seeking an exceptional attorney to join its Legal department as Counsel, with a focus on supporting its Wealth Management and Private Banking (Wealth) group. Experience and interest in trust services and administration, investment advisory services, broker-dealer and private banking work will be valuable as you work alongside the growing Wealth team to tailor financial solutions to the unique needs of our customers.

This is a dynamic role requiring flexibility, collegiality and a growth mindset. The right candidate will bring a curiosity and enthusiasm to working on ideas across various disciplines to scale an already fast-growing business. Experience working with or for a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, corporate and personal fiduciary/trust, private banking or other regulated business is a plus. 

Responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to:

• Provide legal advice on specialized deposit and credit vehicles for both consumer and commercial clients.
• Provide legal advice on statutes and regulations related to general consumer wealth management, including, among others, the Investment Advisers Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as other rules/guidance promulgated by the SEC, FINRA, FDIC and FRB.
• Provide legal advice on relevant banking laws and guidance related to fiduciary powers, trust services and administration including state and federal laws and regulations as well as other rules/guidance such as the Uniform Trust Code.
• Collaborating with legal colleagues and internal clients in the development and execution of strategic growth initiatives, including private banking deposit and credit products that may impact across both Wealth and the broader First Citizens organization.
• Provide guidance to Wealth business on corporate governance best practices.
• Creating, reviewing and deploying wealth management and private banking agreements with a focus on a digital-first strategy for clients.
• Supporting process improvements, operational escalations and enhancements.
• Supervising outside counsel and effectively managing legal costs.
• Contributing to internal initiatives focused on a commitment to a best-in-class Legal department.

• Familiarity with US financial regulations, specifically those that impact private and institutional wealth management and private banking offerings.
• Knowledge of banking deposit regulations across jurisdictions would be helpful.
• Experience with consumer and/or commercial lending documentation.
• Substantive experience or exposure to brokerage, investment advisory and related legal and regulatory areas including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, Regulation Best Interest, ERISA, Form ADV, Form CRS.
• Experience with legal issues involving personal and institutional trusts.
• Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills exhibited by the ability to team up and build relationships with others.
• Strong legal judgment and the ability to apply legal knowledge towards practical solutions.
• Independent, well organized, and able to prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously.
• Eagerness to work on different legal matters/topics including those outside primary areas of expertise.
• Experience working in support of high-level, strategic leaders and strong attention to detail.
• J.D. and strong academic credentials
• Active and in good standing membership to at least one state bar.

Juris Doctor Degree and 6 years of experience in General Practice or in-house  

• Work well under pressure and have a tolerance for ambiguity.
• Work independently and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Successfully manage multiple and varied projects simultaneously and independently while exercising independent judgment and discretion.
• Problem solving and collaboration skills working with others in a team-first environment.
• Strong Microsoft Office capabilities and ability to implement and learn new software applications.
• Wealth Management and Private Banking (Wealth) group legal experience at a Large Financial Institution experience preferred
• Experience with consumer and/or commercial lending documentation.
• Substantive experience or exposure to brokerage, investment advisory and related legal and regulatory areas including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, Regulation Best Interest, ERISA, Form ADV, Form CRS.
• Experience with legal issues involving personal and institutional trusts.

First Citizens benefits programs are designed to meet our associates where they are in life. Full-time associates (20+ hours) are offered a comprehensive benefits program, with customized offerings, including those designed to support families, however defined. More information regarding our benefits offerings can be found here: https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

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