Senior Counsel

Vanguard’s core purpose is to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. Known for our strong ethical business practices and client focus, Vanguard has a vibrant and multi-faceted business. In support of our innovative and highly regulated business lines, Vanguard’s Legal Department encounters a wide range of complex and compelling issues while providing exceptional, high-value business partnership and legal support. In addition, Vanguard is an employer of choice that continually invests in the growth, development, and success of its employees over the course of their Vanguard careers.

To support its growing and evolving service offerings, Vanguard is seeking a skilled and collaborative lawyer to join our Legal team and support the Personal Investor retail brokerage business. This role blends regulatory, transactional and strategic advisory work, in support of product, distribution, strategy, operations and enablement business teams. This role also requires extensive collaboration with Compliance and Risk shared service partners. The ideal candidate will have experience with FINRA, SEC, and related regulations, and general knowledge of broker-dealer, retirement, banking and investment advisory businesses. 

Our “crew” as we call our employees, live the mission of doing the right thing for our shareholders every day. This is your opportunity to be part of that community.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal and regulatory advice related to all aspects of the brokerage platform, including investment products, retirement accounts and services, cash management account, marketing and distribution, servicing and operations, digital platforms and AI solutions, and related strategic initiatives.
• Advise on FINRA, SEC and related regulations with a solutions-oriented mindset; draft and maintain client account agreements, regulatory disclosures and related legal memoranda.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure a thorough understanding of business needs and objectives.
• Support and triage client-related issues, including complaints and fraud-related events; lead and partner to support regulatory exams, inquiries and actions.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Audit and other shared service functions, to evaluate and establish appropriate governance and oversight; ensure appropriate policies, procedures and supervisory framework on broad broker-dealer related and market issues.
• Monitor, analyze, and responds to legislative and regulatory developments related to brokerage activities and investment products.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and J.D. from an accredited law school
• Minimum 5 years of related experience required
• Knowledge of FINRA, SEC, state and banking regulations applicable to retail broker-dealers and investment advisors
• Experience and comfort in dealing with ambiguity and working in a fast-paced environment
• Able to lead and work independently, while juggling multiple initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Applies a partnership-focused philosophy to accomplishing objectives

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.