Alternative Investment & Private Markets Attorney

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Legal and Compliance Division is seeking to hire a Vice President to join a team providing legal coverage for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management's Alternative Investments and Private Markets businesses. Specifically, the attorney will focus on alternative investment funds and private securities transactions and related matters. The position will be based in Purchase, NY.

The successful candidate will join a team of attorneys, reporting to the head of the Alternative Investments legal team. The attorney will have significant interaction with the business unit, and will work closely with the other attorneys on the Alternative Investments and Private Markets legal teams. The attorney will also work and coordinate with a broader group of advisory attorneys covering Morgan Stanley Wealth Management's other products and services.

In particular, the position will involve analyzing, reviewing, negotiating, structuring and approving matters relating to the offering and distribution of alternative investment funds and other private securities, as well as ongoing support for such products. In addition, the attorney will advise on various business projects, both independently and in coordination with other team members, as necessary. The attorney will also work closely with internal stakeholders, such as Compliance, Risk and the business units within Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, as well as with counterparties at external financial services firms and outside counsel.

The following is an illustrative, non-exhaustive list of the types of responsibilities that the successful candidate will be actively involved in:
> Distribution of complex fund or feeder fund offerings, co-investments, secondaries and direct and indirect private securities offerings.
> Drafting and negotiating a wide range of legal agreements, including placement agent agreements and other distribution agreements, custom fund offerings, servicing agreements, as well as working with external counsel when needed.
> Reviewing offering documents (private placement memoranda, limited partner agreements, side letters), early stage transaction documents (NDAs, term sheets, agreements), subscription agreements and ongoing fund communications.
> Advising on legal obligations arising in connection with corporate governance, investor relations, fund raising, distribution, marketing, and investing activities as well as the review and resolution of legal-related issues/questions that arise with respect to order processing (subscriptions, transfers).
> Reviewing marketing materials and investor presentations (including track record data) for adherence to FINRA and SEC rules related to advertising and communications with the public.
> Improving operational efficiency by partnering with the Mumbai Legal team, including transitioning certain tasks to streamline processes and providing feedback to enhance expertise.
> Reviewing and negotiating client account documentation related to alternative investment product and services and ongoing corporate communications.
> Reviewing and interpreting relevant statutes, rules and regulations applicable to wealth management products and services. Monitoring and advising on legal developments impacting alternative investments.
> Leading deal-specific and general education presentations to the business unit and other Morgan Stanley Wealth Management attorneys.
> Maintaining form agreements as well as working on discrete projects, regulatory inquiries, fund maintenance and other matters as appropriate. -- J.D. required.
-- A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience at a top quality law firm and/or in-house, preferably with a financial services firm (including a bank, broker-dealer, investment advisory firm, private equity, real estate or hedge fund).
-- Experience with some or all of the following: alternative investments, co-investments, direct investments, and/or secondary transactions in private securities.
-- Experience reviewing and interpreting statutes, rules and regulations, with knowledge of U.S. securities laws including Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933 (including Regulation D), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940.
-- Experience with broker-dealer/FINRA matters is a plus, along with familiarity with ERISA matters, anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, data protection laws, and tax considerations related to alternative investments
-- Candidates should have experience in complex transactions and projects and must be able to work independently when needed and also collaborate with cross-functional groups.

This role will be a hybrid role, 3 days in the office

Skills Desired:
> Professional maturity, confidence, presence, independence, drive, and initiative
> Excellent judgment and analytical skills
> Excellent oral and written communication skills
> Strong interpersonal skills
> Strong management and administrative skills
> Teamwork and ability to multi-task in fast paced environment
> Ability to proactively evaluate and prioritize among multiple tasks

Purchase, NY

The position will be based in Purchase, NY. This office is the Headquarters of the firm’s Wealth Management division. The location recently went through an extensive remodel, creating a state-of-the-art facility featuring a first-class gym, game lounge, eating facilities and more, to enhance the employee experience.

Morgan Stanley's goal is to build and maintain a workforce that is diverse in experience and background but uniform in reflecting our standards of integrity and excellence. Consequently, our recruiting efforts reflect our desire to attract and retain the best and brightest from all talent pools. We want to be the first choice for prospective employees.
It is the policy of the Firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy, veteran or military service status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversifying its workforce (M/F/Disability/Vet).
Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $110,000.00 and $190,000.00 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs