Opportunity OverviewThis leadership role offers the opportunity to join a well-established Fortune 500 financial services firm and serve as a key strategic advisor within the Legal Division. The Associate General Counsel Leader - Litigation oversees the firm's litigation and legal-holds function while managing a diverse portfolio of complex civil litigation, FINRA arbitrations, competitive investigations, employment matters, and other legal disputes.
The successful candidate will combine deep litigation expertise with strong leadership capabilities to drive litigation strategy, mitigate legal and business risk, and provide practical legal guidance to senior leaders and business stakeholders. This individual will play a critical role in shaping the Firm's approach to litigation, managing high-impact legal matters, improving internal processes, and leading a team of high functioning attorneys and legal professionals.
Key ResponsibilitiesLitigation Strategy & Case Management- Lead the firm's litigation and legal-holds function, overseeing a portfolio of complex civil litigation, FINRA arbitrations, investigations, employment disputes, and other litigation matters.
- Develop and implement litigation strategies aligned with the Firm's legal and business objectives.
- Manage litigation pending in courts, arbitration forums, and regulatory proceedings.
- Conduct or supervise merits hearings, arbitrations, trials, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, regulatory, and business risks arising from litigation and pre-litigation matters.
- Manage outside counsel, including selection, retention, budget oversight, performance management, and strategic direction.
- Coordinate litigation strategies with senior legal leadership to ensure consistency with broader LCR Division and Firm objectives.
- Create, enhance, and streamline litigation and legal-holds processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and impact.
Business Partnership & Legal Advisory- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and business leaders on significant legal, regulatory, governance, and litigation issues.
- Provide practical, risk-informed legal guidance on emerging business initiatives and evolving regulatory requirements.
- Educate business partners on litigation trends, regulatory developments, and legal risks to support informed decision-making.
- Collaborate across functions to develop business solutions that appropriately balance legal risk and strategic objectives.
- Represent the Firm in interactions with regulators, industry organizations, arbitration forums, courts, outside counsel, and other external stakeholders.
Leadership & Team Development- Lead, develop, coach, and mentor a team of seasoned litigation attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals.
- Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team culture focused on professional development and engagement.
- Direct work allocation, performance management, and career development for team members.
- Provide strategic guidance and subject matter expertise to legal colleagues and business stakeholders throughout the organization.
- Balance long-term strategic planning with tactical day-to-day management of litigation matters and legal operations.
Position Requirements- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in Missouri or another applicable U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible litigation experience in private practice, government service, or an in-house legal department.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing legal teams.
- Significant experience managing complex litigation, investigations, and dispute resolution matters.
- Strong knowledge of securities law, FINRA arbitrations, civil litigation, and regulatory investigations.
- Proven ability to independently analyze and resolve highly complex legal issues.
- Excellent legal judgment, professionalism, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality.
- Exceptional written, verbal, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
- Ability to influence senior executives, communicate complex legal concepts clearly, and build consensus among stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound decision-making abilities, and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to think strategically while executing tactically and driving matters to successful conclusion.
Preferred- First- or second-chair trial experience.
- Experience representing financial services or securities industry clients in FINRA arbitrations and complex litigation.
- Experience with class action, employment litigation, and competitive investigations.
- Familiarity with regulatory matters involving the SEC, FINRA, and state securities regulators.
- Previous in-house counsel experience managing litigation portfolios.
Active participation or leadership in professional, legal, or industry organizations
Salary InformationEdward Jones' compensation and benefits package includes medical and prescription drug, dental, vision, voluntary benefits (such as accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness), short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage. Short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage are provided at no cost to associates. Edward Jones offers a 401k retirement plan, and tax-advantaged accounts: health savings account, and flexible spending account. Edward Jones observes ten paid holidays and provides 15 days of vacation for new associates beginning on January 1 of each year, as well as sick time, personal days, and a paid day for volunteerism. Associates may be eligible for bonuses and profit sharing. All associates are eligible for the firm's Employee Assistance Program. For more information on the Benefits available to Edward Jones associates, please visit our benefits page.
