Assistant General Counsel, Client Solutions & Wealth Management

Guided by our company Purpose of “Inspiring well-being for our colleagues, consumers, and communities,” we are committed to building a best-in-class Law Department. We drive a high-performance culture across our Legal, Compliance, and Government Affairs functions, aligned to “what” we deliver (i.e., our goals and objectives) and “how” we demonstrate our values and behaviors while focusing on the customer. This is achieved through leveraging core capabilities such as accountability, interpersonal effectiveness, business savvy, and subject matter expertise, all while supporting the Law Department’s Mission to be a trusted advocate and advisor driving strategic solutions that advance Guardian’s purpose, priorities, and values.

About the role

This role will support the day-to-day operations of Guardian’s Client Solutions & Wealth Management (“CSWM”) Practice in the Law Department. You will play a critical role in providing legal advice to business partners regarding Guardian’s individual markets business, with a particular emphasis on the distribution of individual insurance products and support for the company’s broker/dealer and registered investment adviser, as well as supporting its advanced markets team.

A successful candidate will have excellent research and organizational skills, and business judgment, as you will be required to understand and manage the laws and regulations affecting individual insurance products and wealth management offerings, and provide practical advice in a rapidly changing and high-profile regulatory environment. You will also draft applicable agreements with distribution partners and help facilitate the succession of general agencies. The ability to influence and drive proactive partnership in a changing business environment is critical. You will develop cross-business connections, provide industry perspective and best practices guidance while considering long-term outcomes and the needs of partners/clients when providing advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and counsel to CSWM strategies and innovation initiatives.
• Participate in external forums, build partnerships internally across Guardian, and help ensure that Guardian’s CSWM business practices and policies are compliant with applicable law.
• Advise and assist with the implementation of new distribution and wealth management related laws and regulations.
• Represent the practice group as a key advisor to stakeholders to establish, inform, and maintain company-wide compliant policies.
• Provide effective, prompt compliance advice and support business compliance, rectifying problems, and responding to emerging challenges.
• Keep informed regarding pending industry changes, trends, and best practices and assess the potential impact of these changes on organizational processes.

Requirements

• 7–10 years of experience, preferably in connection with the life insurance and/or wealth management industries.
• JD and licensed to practice law in New York.
• Ability to address complex and challenging issues and communicate effectively with business leaders at all levels to optimize risk management, productivity, and communication.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, hands-on, fast-paced environment and respond to questions from business areas and a complex subsidiary organization.
• Respect for diversity and ideas of others, willingness to collaborate in a fast-paced team environment, and strong motivation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in an organizational setting, corporate integrity, and strong interpersonal skills essential to success.

Critical Competencies / Behaviors

• Instills Trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Decision Quality: Makes sound and timely decisions that propel the organization forward.
• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues, communicating clearly and professionally.
• Customer Focus: Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Values Differences: Recognizes the value that diverse perspectives and cultures bring to an organization and serves as a role model for inclusion and diversity.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $178,690.00 - $293,560.00. The salary ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Benefits

At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development, and philanthropic opportunities, we provide resources to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees.