Counsel, Enforcement

Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law degree with active license to practice in applicable jurisdictions
  • Minimum of six years legal experience in regulatory or legal environment
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Proven litigation skills
  • Excellent interpersonal abilities

Responsibilities

  • Resolve non-complex Enforcement matters through rigorous assessment
  • Negotiate settlements effectively and with legal knowledge
  • Contribute to internal legal strategy discussions
  • Assist in litigation preparation and conduct witness examinations
  • Draft analysis and advocacy documents clearly and effectively
  • Manage timelines and prioritize matters based on risk
  • Collaborate with investigative staff to develop factual records

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with in-person presence requirements
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match and FINRA-funded retirement contributions
  • Generous paid time off, personal days, and sick leave
  • Support for employee wellness through various programs
  • Tuition reimbursement and commuter benefits
  • Paid volunteer service days and additional paid leave options
Full Job Description

The Enforcement Counsel resolves non-complex Enforcement matters, and contributes meaningful high quality work for large complex matters.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Resolve non-complex Enforcement matters based on rigorous assessment and effective advocacy
    • Execute an effective risk-based legal strategy to assess the record fairly;
    • Recommend a fair and effective outcome, accurately assessing the evidence and applying a well-reasoned legal framework to the case;
    • Identify potential risks, defenses, individual liability and Principal Considerations;
    • Effectively negotiate settlements, demonstrating knowledge of the record, and familiarity with the law and potential defenses;
    • Contribute meaningfully to settlement negotiations and discussions with respondents, demonstrating knowledge of the record and familiarity with the law and potential defenses
    • Contribute meaningfully to internal discussions regarding legal strategy, demonstrating an understanding of the factual record and legal framework;
    • Assist in litigation preparation and contribute meaningfully to litigation, including by conducting non-complex witness examinations in non-complex litigation
    • Draft clear and organized analysis, and effective advocacy documents;
    • Plan for and conduct OTRs of witnesses, demonstrating ability to develop an effective transcript through active listening, follow-up, and knowledge of the record
  • Achieve Enforcement outcomes that are foreseeable and transparent in non-complex matters.
  • Identify and assess relevant Principal Considerations;
  • Recommend charges and sanctions consistent with FINRA’s priorities and principles;
  • Draft and finalize settlement documents that clearly describe the facts, the basis for FINRA charges, and the Principal Considerations that support the sanction
  • Research and identify the legal requirements for charges;
  • Identify and escalate issues where rules and guidance are ambiguous or silent;
  • Contribute to discussions with other departments regarding interpretive or policy issues;
  • Explain legal reasoning regarding non-complex matters or issues in meetings with respondents or other stakeholders;
  • Resolve non-complex Enforcement matters timely.
  • Actively monitor and advise in investigations to ensure they are focused and targeted, and identify necessary inquiries in real time;
  • Prepare cases for litigation to facilitate prompt filing, efficient document production, and a timely hearing
  • Manage time effectively to independently meet deadlines and provide work product in a timely manner;
  • Demonstrate effective oral advocacy during negotiations and discussions, facilitating efficient progress of a matter
  • Prioritize matters based on risk;
  • Establish timelines and manage teamwork and tasks to achieve them;
  • Produce timely and complete written work product
  • Identify and escalate matters or issues that require re-prioritization;
  • Avoid unnecessary research or investigative steps
  • Successfully collaborate with investigative staff to produce a sound factual record in non-complex matters.
  • Partner with investigative staff to plan investigation and fully develop the record;
  • Provide relevant and accurate legal advice to investigative and legal staff ;
  • Work effectively with investigative staff to ensure that written descriptions are supported by the record, accurate and clear;
  • Identify and escalate gaps in the investigative record;
  • Objectively review and clearly summarize sufficiency of evidence to establish a charge
  • Demonstrate ability to resolve non-complex matters with supervision, and provide high quality work in team-based matters
  • Keep managers informed and incorporate feedback into planning and execution;
  • Complete assignments in an efficient manner; leverage existing relevant precedents, such as work product in similar cases, where possible;
  • Effectively communicate with other team members about non-complex factual and legal issues for analysis;
  • Assist in litigation preparation by preparing exhibits, drafting witness outlines, and participating in strategy discussions
  • Conduct non-complex witness examinations in litigation
  • Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
  • Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • A law degree and appropriately licensed to practice law in all applicable jurisdictions based on the relevant licensing requirements.
  • A minimum of six years relevant legal experience in a regulatory or legal environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and litigation skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.  

Work Conditions:

  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Work outside of business hours and overnight travel may be required.

For work that is performed in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA, CO, FL, TX, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, Washington, DC, NY and NJ, please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations. 

Los Angeles, CA: Minimum Salary $130,688, Maximum Salary $196,032

San Francisco, CA: Minimum Salary $137,222, Maximum Salary $205,834

CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $97,700, Maximum Salary $176,100

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $107,500, Maximum Salary $194,100

MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $112,300 Maximum Salary $202,500

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $112,300, Maximum Salary $211,400

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.

Please note: If the “Apply Now” button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.

Time Off and Paid Leave*

FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.

*Based on full-time schedule

About Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Careers

Joining the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) presents a unique opportunity to become part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering fair and honest financial markets. As the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States, FINRA is at the forefront of the financial industry, offering unparalleled job opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Work You’ll Do

At FINRA, professionals work to protect investors and ensure the market's integrity through effective and efficient regulation of broker-dealers. Team members are engaged in a wide range of critical functions from market regulation to enforcement, and from legal compliance to dispute resolution. This variety ensures that employment at FINRA is not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful professional growth and career advancement.

Join a Leading Team

FINRA’s team is composed of highly skilled professionals who lead through innovation and steadfast leadership in the financial sector. With a commitment to diversity and inclusive culture, FINRA fosters an environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Joining this team means collaborating on projects that enhance the security and integrity of the financial marketplace.

Innovative Work and Career Development

Professionals at FINRA are encouraged to take initiative and innovate within their roles. The authority offers a robust career development program that supports professional growth through training, workshops, and continued learning opportunities. This focus on professional development ensures that every employee has the tools and knowledge to advance their career.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

For those starting their career, FINRA offers a range of internship and entry-level positions that provide a solid foundation in financial regulation. Interns and new employees work alongside industry experts and gain invaluable hands-on experience. These positions are crucial stepping stones for building a career filled with leadership opportunities and professional advancement.

Benefits and Culture

FINRA is committed to supporting its employees’ well-being both inside and outside of the workplace. The company offers a competitive package of benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Moreover, FINRA’s culture of ethics and leadership is reflected in its daily operations, making it a prime environment for personal and professional growth.

Explore Job Opportunities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is continuously seeking passionate, curious, and skilled individuals to join its team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests in the financial regulatory field. FINRA is hiring individuals who are driven to excel and ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, competence, and dedication.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from FINRA by following the careers blog. Gain insights from insiders, and stay informed about new job opportunities, networking events, and industry news that can help shape your career path.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review open positions, prepare your resume, and apply through the FINRA Careers portal. Tailor your application to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. The interview process at FINRA is designed to identify and recruit the most talented professionals in the industry.

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