Legal Counsel

Business Unit:

Global Legal

Salary Range:

$170,000 USD - $190,000 USD

Specific compensation will be based on candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, commercial considerations, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Russell Investments, salary is just one part of our compensation package. Our total rewards approach includes an annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility criteria) in addition to participation in our competitive benefits programs including healthcare, retirement, vacation, and wellbeing programs.

Job Description:

At Russell Investments, our purpose is improving the financial security of people. We are dedicated to delivering innovative investment solutions to our clients. Our expertise spans a broad range of asset classes and geographies, and we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture, non-negotiable integrity, and client-focused services.

We are currently seeking a mid-level attorney with a strong background in exchange traded funds (ETFs). Reporting to an Associate General Counsel, you will be responsible for a wide variety of legal matters, working collaboratively with other lawyers in the legal department and directly with internal clients. You will be focused on supporting all aspects of our growing ETF business, including the SEC registration process, Board/governance process, development of new products and maintenance of existing products. In this role, you will also work on matters related to other registered fund products.

You are a competitive candidate if you have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various departments within our company, such as product development, compliance, marketing, and operations. You are also effective working with external partners, including external counsel, regulators, and service providers. Finally, you have a growth mindset and are skilled at taking a complex set of problems and creating simple solutions. We value collaboration and diverse perspectives and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

ETF Related Responsibilities:

Legal Advice

• Provide expert legal advice on various aspects of ETF operations, including product structuring, disclosure, governance, regulatory, compliance, distribution, and marketing.

• Support the development and launch of new ETFs by drafting and reviewing registration statements and governing documents.

• Ensure compliance with relevant securities laws and regulations, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to ETF operations, such as investment management agreements, service agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements and custodial agreements.

• Collaborate with external legal counsel and other service providers to ensure sufficient legal support and compliance.

Regulatory

• Monitor and interpret regulatory developments affecting ETFs, advising on necessary changes to business practices and documentation.

• Engage with regulatory authorities (e.g., SEC, CFTC, FINRA) to address regulatory inquiries and filings.

• Prepare, submit and/or review required regulatory filings and reports.

• Partner with compliance teams on regulatory change projects and maintain up-to-date regulatory knowledge.

Compliance and Risk

• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with the ETF business.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Governance

• Advise fund boards and maintain relationships with both internal board members and independent trustees.

• Provide legal support for fund board meetings and committees.

• Communicate effectively with senior executives and independent trustees to ensure clear understanding of legal and regulatory matters.

Your Expertise:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

• Admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction.

• 4-7 years of legal experience related to registered funds with a focus on ETFs.

• Strong knowledge of securities laws and regulations applicable to registered mutual funds, with specific ETF knowledge and experience.

• Experience in a law firm or in-house legal department specializing in registered funds, specifically ETFs.

• Proven ability to manage complex legal projects and deliver high-quality results within deadlines.

• Experience drafting and negotiating fund and vendor contracts.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Commitment to professional ethics, integrity, and attention to detail.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Russell Investments is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all associates and employment applicants regardless of race, religion, ancestry, creed, color, gender (including gender identity which refers to a person's actual or perceived sex, and includes self-image, appearance, behavior or expression, whether or not different from that traditionally associated with a person's biological sex), age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, past or present unemployment status , or any other characteristic protected by law.