Senior Counsel

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

Job Profile Summary:  The Senior Counsel role offers an opportunity for an experienced attorney with a strong business orientation to apply legal expertise in drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts.  The individual in this role will provide legal advice and draw upon proficiency in evaluating legal risk and risk mitigation strategies to advance business initiatives.  The ideal candidate will have extensive contracts experience and an analytical mindset, excellent written and interpersonal skills, an ability to recognize and weigh risks, and a capacity to communicate adeptly with stakeholders while helping drive efficiencies and innovation in the contracting process.

What you will do:

• Review, draft, and negotiate client contracts and related documents for retirement plan recordkeeping, trust, advisory, and other services; provide counsel in support of Empower’s retirement plan services business, including corporate, government, non-profit, union, multi-employer, and institutional plans; advise on the creation of RFPs and other related documents in close collaboration with a team of contract specialists and other members of the Legal Department.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts with vendors including services agreements, sourcing agreements, statements of work, non-disclosure agreements, software licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, amendments, and other contractual documents with third party providers.

• Lead complex commercial transactions and provide strategic legal advice, working proactively with business leadership and anticipating issues that may arise in order to reach successful outcomes.
• Exhibit in-depth knowledge of agreement terms and conditions and nuances in contract language, applying sophisticated legal analysis and judgment to identify and understand legal aspects of a business issue including an accurate assessment of contractual risk.
• Interact effectively with all levels of management, alliance partners, internal associates, clients, vendors, and external counsel, clearly communicating legal and commercial issues.
• Provide guidance on contract terms, business positions, and the contracting process.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the legal subject matter of the role and the legal and regulatory environments that impact the business
• Adapt well to change and proactively seek out opportunities to learn
• Build relationships with business stakeholders and serve as a key point of contact for contract inquiries and issues.
• Analyze complex issues and develop legal strategies so that business goals are attained legally and in a manner compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Provide legal insights and support to internal teams on contract matters, including structuring, contract interpretation, compliance and enforcement, risk assessment, and legal and regulatory compliance.
• Execute additional projects and duties as assigned to support business initiatives, including assisting with transactional due diligence and facilitating the closure of potential deals such as acquisitions, mergers, reorganizations, or other corporate transactions.
• Research, interpret, and advise on federal/state laws and regulations as needed in support of business and legal matters.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and growth while effectively managing risk.
• Demonstrate strong mentoring and leadership skills based on area of responsibility.
• Proactively identify challenges, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions.
• Assist with development, maintenance, and improvement of standard contract documents and templates, policies, contract compliance requirements, and other documentation.
• Work to assess and refine repeatable processes to increase efficiency, enhance compliance, and reduce risk; under the direction of supervising counsel, develop and manage resources to improve service levels.
• Manage multiple competing priorities while adhering to deadlines and attaining positive results.
• Work both independently and in a collaborative team environment, providing guidance