VP and Legal Counsel – SSIM (Fixed Income)

Vice President and Counsel – State Street Investment Management Legal Department – Fixed Income and Institutional Product

Who we are looking for

The State Street Investment Management (SSIM) Legal Department endeavors to provide strategic advice and counsel to its business and control colleagues in accordance with the highest standards of judgment, integrity and ethical leadership. We partner closely with these teams to find strategic solutions for our clients and contribute to the overall success of the firm. 

We are seeking an attorney with the ability to excel in a fast-paced, client-focused environment and help others on their team to do the same. In the role of Vice President and Legal Counsel, you will be part of a team responsible for advising State Street Investment Management’s Product and Investments teams, particularly with respect to fixed income offerings, including collateralized loan obligation vehicles (CLOs), bank loan funds and private credit exposures. You will also provide advice regarding product development matters in connection with State Street Investment Management’s institutional investment management business.

To be successful, you will develop a deep understanding of the firm’s investment and operational capabilities, service offerings, culture and vision, and regulatory and supervisory landscape in order to serve as a trusted advisor to your business and control partners, and efficiently identify, diagnose and help to address complex legal issues. This role requires experience with investment funds and securities regulations, together with the ability to manage complex transactions and legal risks in a fast-paced asset management environment. Experience with structured finance transactions, syndicated loans, and private credit is preferred. You will need to build and maintain collaborative relationships with key internal teams, including portfolio management, credit analysts, product specialists, operations, and risk and compliance personnel.

What you will be responsible for

As Vice President and Legal Counsel you will be responsible for providing practical and actionable legal advice and counsel with respect to our investments and trading businesses, with a particular focus on fixed income offerings.

This will include:

• Providing advice related to structuring, formation, issuance, management and ongoing operation of CLO vehicles

• Negotiating agreements with external counterparties, including warehouse agreements, underwriting agreements and collateral management agreements

• Reviewing credit agreements for syndicated loans and private credit arrangements

• Advising with respect to institutional and retirement product development and innovation

• Analyzing regulatory developments impacting State Street Investment Management and its products and services

• Providing advice and counsel to the State Street Investment Management institutional investment management business and Compliance teams regarding applicable securities laws, risk retention requirements, ERISA and other applicable regulatory requirements

What we value

These skills will help you succeed in this role

• A strong understanding of fixed income investment strategies and related investment vehicles

• The ability to evaluate legal, financial, regulatory and reputational risk and escalate to executive management as needed

• Strong communication (written and verbal), client service and collaboration skills

• Strong research, time management, planning and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently but also thrive in a global, dynamic and team-oriented environment

• Proven ability to interact with and advise multiple businesses and coordinate with legal colleagues in other jurisdictions and business areas on related areas of law or conflicts of law matters

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• 4-7+ years of experience in investment management practice, at either a law firm or the legal department of a financial services company

• Strong academic credentials

• JD from an accredited law school

• License to practice in work location (this role is based in Boston, MA)

Are you the right candidate? Yes!

We truly believe in the power that comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences our employees bring with them. Although each vacancy details what we are looking for, we don’t necessarily need you to fulfil all of them when applying. If you like change and innovation, seek to see the bigger picture, make data driven decisions and are