Head of Legal Strategic Initiatives- Managing Director

Job Description

Lead firmwide Legal initiatives that transform how the firm manages legal obligations and client documentation.

As a Managing Director and Associate General Counsel within the Office of the General Counsel, you will lead the Legal Strategic Initiatives (LSI) team responsible for overseeing Legal's engagement and execution of the Office of Legal Obligations (OLO) and Client Facing Documentation (CFD) programs. You will provide strategic leadership for two critical firmwide governance programs, driving organizational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and digital transformation initiatives across Legal. This highly visible role partners with senior executives, control functions, and technology teams to enhance governance frameworks, strengthen regulatory change management capabilities, and advance innovative solutions that support the firm's evolving legal and regulatory landscape.

The Office of Legal Obligations (OLO) program is responsible for documenting the firm's obligations arising from material laws, regulations, and rules, and connecting those obligations to relevant internal reference data within the Enterprise Legal Architecture Compliance Management System (ELA-CMS). The Client Facing Documentation (CFD) program supports the review of designated client-facing documents and oversees related standards, methodology, training, governance, and reporting activities.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the global strategy, governance, and execution of the OLO and CFD programs, establishing priorities, operating models, and execution roadmaps aligned with Legal and firmwide objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior Legal and business leaders, influencing strategic decisions and driving alignment across Legal, Compliance, Risk, Finance, Operations, Technology, and Lines of Business.
• Lead and develop a high-performing global team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain effective governance forums, escalation pathways, reporting frameworks, and executive communications to support program oversight and decision-making.
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and documentation of legal and regulatory developments that impact the firm's obligations inventory and related compliance infrastructure.
• Drive continuous improvement of OLO processes, controls, and quality assurance practices to promote consistency, sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead the evolution of the CFD program, including standards, methodologies, review processes, training programs, reporting capabilities, and documentation best practices.
• Develop and execute global engagement and training strategies that promote awareness, consistency, and effective adoption of program requirements across jurisdictions and business areas.
• Partner with Legal, Operations, and Technology stakeholders to design and implement workflow enhancements, controls, data solutions, and reporting capabilities that support program objectives.
• Identify opportunities to integrate OLO, CFD, and other Legal strategic initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and strengthen governance outcomes.
• Sponsor and lead digital transformation initiatives, including the responsible adoption of AI-enabled solutions and emerging technologies, in accordance with firm policies and controls.

 

Required Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent legal degree and active authorization to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 12 years of legal experience within a major law firm, financial institution, or other highly regulated environment.
• Significant experience advising senior executives on complex legal, regulatory, governance, or risk-related matters.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale enterprise governance, regulatory, compliance, or transformation programs.
• Deep knowledge of financial services regulatory frameworks and regulatory change management practices.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive consensus across multiple functions, organizations, and geographies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level presentations and governance materials.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities with the ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential, sensitive, and high-profile matters with sound judgment and discretion.
• Successful completion of applicable conflicts clearance and pre-employment requirements.

 

Preferred Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills

• Experience designing or implementing digital transformation initiatives, workflow automation solutions, or enterprise reporting enhancements.
• Experience establishing or managing legal horizon-scanning, regulatory change, or obligations management programs.
• Proven success leading complex cross-functional programs in global organizations.
• Strong project and program management expertise, including experience driving execution through matrixed teams.
• Familiarity with legal operations technologies, governance platforms, data management solutions, and reporting tools.
• Demonstrated interest in emerging technologies, including AI-enabled legal solutions and hybrid operating models.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions and partnering with diverse global stakeholder groups.

About Us

JPMorganChase, one of the oldest financial institutions, offers innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Our history spans over 200 years and today we are a leader in investment banking, consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management.

We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set and location. Those in eligible roles may receive commission-based pay and/or discretionary incentive compensation, paid in the form of cash and/or forfeitable equity, awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet employee needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, on-site health and wellness centers, a retirement savings plan, backup childcare, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, financial coaching and more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. 

We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. Visit our  FAQs for more information about requesting an accommodation.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans

About the Team

Our professionals in our Corporate Functions cover a diverse range of areas from finance and risk to human resources and marketing. Our corporate teams are an essential part of our company, ensuring that we’re setting our businesses, clients, customers and employees up for success.

With large, global operations, the Legal team tackles complex issues and helps shape the regulations that affect the businesses. The group is organized into practice groups that align with the lines of business and corporate staff areas, which encourages collaboration on legal, regulatory and business developments as they arise.