THE ROLE
Using discretion and judgment, provides legal counsel, planning and services to MFS, its subsidiary companies and its fund complexes.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Identify, assess, and advise on new legislation and regulatory rules relevant to ERISA plans, collective investment trusts, IRAs, and other retirement vehicles (e.g. DOL rules, IRS rules, legislation). Provide legal advice and support relating to MFS-advised Collective Investment Trusts and other MFS-advised pooled investment vehicles.
Assists in the research, preparation and/or review of a variety of legal documentation and board materials (including reviewing a CIT's offering memorandum, trust declaration and financial reports), and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local or multi-jurisdictional laws.
Provide legal support to MFS retirement committees with respect to oversight of the MFS retirement plans, including planning quarterly meetings and minutes, preparing plan amendments and implementation of regulator changes. Provide legal support to Human Resources with respect to plan administration.
Advise the investment team regarding eligibility of ERISA investors for a variety of fixed income and other investment types.
Review and interpret statutes, rules, and policies which are relevant to the regulatory functions of MFS, its corporate subsidiaries, and its fund complexes and works with clients to meet their business objectives within the regulatory environment.
Prepare, and when requested, present materials for the meetings of the various Boards of MFS, its subsidiary companies and/or its fund complexes (including MFS' limited purpose Trust Company) as well as related shareholder meetings. Additionally, offer legal advice or identify issues of importance to the Boards.
Serve as legal consultant to business clients for special projects, such as the start-up of a new company, the development of a new sales and marketing strategic alliance, the planning of a corporate tax strategy, etc.
Negotiate, draft and review agreements over a wide variety of subject matter.
Work with and oversees the work provided by outside counsel on a variety of legal matters ensuring that standards for service delivery and cost are met.
Assumes additional responsibilities as requested.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate Degree. Must have been admitted to and be a member in good standing of a state bar, such as the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, or country of practice, such as the UK, Luxembourg, Japan, Australia, etc.
8-12+ years of experience (8+ post bar experience), with at least 6+ years of specialized legal experience in applicable area of law.
Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Must have excellent project management and coordination skills, and that ability to implement new processes across an organization.
Must write effectively, have excellent attention to detail. Must be able to communicate effectively with the team and demonstrate an ability to build strong relationships across an array of departments.
Must have the ability to formulate solutions to mitigate legal and other risk while supporting business objectives, present to business partners with confidence and clarity, thrive in a team-orientated environment, and be able to take ownership of projects.
PREFERRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Experience with ERISA matters preferred.
#LI-JN1
