Senior Counsel - Mutual & Private Fund Distribution (Wealth & Investment Management)

About this role

Wells Fargo is seeking a Senior Counsel to join the legal team supporting its Wealth and Investment Management (WIM) division. This Senior Counsel will support the legal and regulatory aspects of distributing registered investment companies and private investment funds. This role will work closely with business, compliance, and product teams to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice on U.S. distribution channels and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the distribution of mutual funds, ETFs, and other registered products, including compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and related SEC rules (e.g., Rule 12b-1, Rule 22c-1, Regulation Best Interest).
• Provide legal support for the distribution of private funds, including private placements under Regulation D, Regulation S, and related state blue sky requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate distribution-related agreements, including selling agreements, dealer agreements, sub-advisory arrangements, placement agent agreements, and intermediary contracts.
• Ad counsel business partners on broker-dealer, investment adviser, and intermediary regulatory issues.
• Monitor regulatory developments impacting fund distribution and provide proactive guidance to business and compliance teams.
• Collaborate closely with compliance, operations, product, and sales teams to facilitate compliant product launches and initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of Law experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
• Active State Bar membership or the equivalent in a country outside the United States

Desired Qualifications

• Deep understanding Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and related SEC and FINRA rules
• Prior in-house experience at an asset manager, fund sponsor, or financial services firm
• Familiarity with the laws, rules and regulations related to the distribution of annuities and insurance products
• Experience with ETFs, interval funds, or alternative investment products
• Experience supporting both broker-dealer and bank distribution channels
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to dynamic scope of role to support changing business and Legal department priorities

Job Expectations

• This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position
• Ability to work at the job posting location
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule, in office at least 3 days a week
• This position is subject to FINRA Background Screening Requirements, including successful completion and clearing of a background check

Benefits

• Health benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid time off
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
• Parental leave
• Critical caregiving leave
• Discounts and savings
• Commuter benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Scholarships for dependent children
• Adoption reimbursement