Counsel

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Job description

Whether you're an investment professional, an expert in sales or a technology specialist, you'll find a culture at MFS that supports you in doing what you do best. Our employees work together to reach better outcomes, always favoring the strongest idea over the strongest individual. We put people first and show care and compassion for our community and each other. Because what we do matters - to us as valued professionals and to the millions of people and institutions who rely on us to help them build more secure and prosperous futures.

Job Description
PURPOSE:

Using discretion and judgment, provide legal counsel for significant and strategic regulatory initiatives and on-going operations, including complex, regulatory-related processes, policies and procedures, etc. Review, monitor and resolve related legal and regulatory issues as they pertain to assigned matters and other special projects/areas as determined by senior management. In particular, this role will focus on providing legal support to collective investment trusts (CITs) sponsored by MFS or an affiliate as well other U.S. pooled investment vehicles advised by MFS. This position regularly interacts with individuals throughout MFS, including members of our investment, legal, compliance, distribution and client service teams, as well as interacting directly with clients and their counsel.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides legal advice and support relating to MFS-advised CITs and other MFS-advised pooled investment vehicles (including the MFS' U.S. 1940 Act registered mutual funds and other U.S. pooled investment vehicles). Assists in providing legal advice to business clients for special projects, such as new funds, new classes, reorganizations and other product initiatives, such as changes to the name or investment strategies of existing funds.
• Assists in the research, preparation and/or review of a variety of legal documentation and board materials (including reviewing a CIT's offering memorandum, trust declaration and financial reports), and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local or multi-jurisdictional laws.
• Monitor, review and assess implications of new or amended laws, rules and regulations related to assigned area/specialization and that impact MFS, its corporate subsidiaries, CITs, U.S.-registered or unregistered pooled investment vehicles. Apprise others of developments, recommend, and, when appropriate, decide on courses of action including new or updated relevant policies and procedures. Monitor company, competitive and regulatory developments and ensure best practices are developed and implemented within scope of position.
• Negotiate with internal and external parties on complex contracts, matters and/or deals, including participation and subscription agreements, side letters and other agreements with respect to client onboarding, so as to satisfy the business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• As needed, coordinate and participate in related audits and examinations and ensure business unit or area is audit/exam ready. Liaise with other departments and maintain effective relationships with same. Respond or participate in preparing responses to federal/state/offshore governmental regulators on assigned issues and matters. Make recommendations on changes to policies, procedures and manuals as well as standards and practices.
• Work with and oversee the work provided by outside counsel on a variety of legal matters ensuring that standards for service delivery and cost are met.
• Represent MFS at regulator and industry meetings and events. Work collaboratively with, and oversee certain work of, paralegals and other MFS Legal staff.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate Degree required. Must have at least 5 years work experience as an attorney in investment management, financial services or industry-related firm, or at least 5 years work experience at a law firm. Strong knowledge of the laws applicable to collective investment trusts, private and hedge funds, Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Knowledge of ERISA as applicable to collective investment trusts is also required. Strong working knowledge of investment management operations and advisory functions is required as is knowledge of subject area within scope of position.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Bar of Massachusetts and maintain good standing for all necessary license(s) and/or professional qualifications.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, customer-service, team-working and problem-solving skills. Must be able to write effectively, and present research, analysis and conclusions in a persuasive manner.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills and be able to implement, execute and exemplify MFS' business culture with limited supervision. Proven ability to develop and foster strong interpersonal relationships and to maintain effective cross-functional teams throughout the organization.
• Experience managing the delivery of projects while ensuring the success of same and the cooperation of cross- functional teams, with both domestic and international team members, is preferred.
• Proven ability to exercise judgment, pursue initiatives and implement changes necessary to align functional area with strategic/long-term goals of MFS and of the Legal Department is required.
• An understanding of business operations and practices, procedures and controls specific to the business units supported is required as is the ability to apply same to dealings with the business units supported. Must maintain awareness of best practices and evolving issues within the scope of the position, and able to relate same to MFS' operations and practices, suggesting changes and modifications in practices and processes as necessary, and planning the implementation of same.
• Excellent presentation and persuasion skills are required. Must be able to present comfortably before groups and to educate and persuade audience with argument so as to gain acceptance and cooperation.
• May serve as a representative of MFS with regulators, at meetings, conferences, related industry events, etc. May appear before regulators as an advocate of MFS' position.
• Must be proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and able to develop proficiency in MFS systems as required to perform the duties of this position. Must be able to conduct on-line research and to utilize applicable tools. Must employ and embrace the use of technology in performance of the job
• Must be able to work overtime as necessary to keep current with work.
• May have to travel occasionally as necessary.

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