Job Description
At MFS, you will find a culture that supports you in doing what you do best. Our employees work together to reach better outcomes, favoring the strongest idea over the strongest individual. We put people first and demonstrate 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. THE ROLE This position will provide legal counsel for significant and strategic regulatory initiatives and on-going operations, including complex, regulatory-related processes, policies and procedures. This individual will 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 supporting the Legal team that provides legal support to U.S. registered investment companies and related Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) work. This position regularly interacts with individuals throughout MFS, including members of our investment, legal, compliance, distribution and client service teams. What You Will Do Provide legal advice and support relating to MFS-advised pooled investment vehicles, including the MFS' U.S. 1940 Act registered mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and external 1940 Act registered mutual funds that MFS sub-advises. Assist 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. Assist in the research, preparation and/or review of a variety of legal documentation, board materials and regulatory filings (including reviewing the Funds' registration statements 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 or fund complexes. 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 transactions 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. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate Degree required, with 6 to 8 years of work experience as an attorney in investment management, financial services or industry-related firm, or experience at a law firm. Strong knowledge of the 1940 Act as well as the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. 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 any State Bar, preferably 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. Must be polished, professional, mature, well-mannered and well-spoken. 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