Counsel - Act

Overview 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 ongoing operations, including complex regulatory‑related processes, policies and procedures. The individual will review, monitor and resolve related legal and regulatory issues as they pertain to assigned matters and other special projects/areas determined by senior management. The focus is 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. The 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 MFS' U.S. 1940 Act registered mutual funds, 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, including changes to the name or investment strategies of existing funds. Research, prepare and/or review 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 the assigned area/specialization 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 the scope of the position. Negotiate with internal and external parties on complex contracts, matters and/or transactions to satisfy business objectives and regulatory requirements. Coordinate and participate in related audits and examinations, ensuring the business unit or area is audit/exam ready. Liaise with other departments and maintain effective relationships. Respond or participate in preparing responses to federal, state or 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 standards for service delivery and cost are met. Represent MFS at regulator and industry meetings and events. Collaborate 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 an industry‑related firm, or experience at a law firm. Strong knowledge of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Strong working knowledge of investment management operations and advisory functions; knowledge of the subject area within the scope of the position. 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. Ability to write effectively and present research, analysis and conclusions in a persuasive manner. Polished, professional, mature, well‑mannered and well‑spoken. Leadership skills with ability to implement, execute and exemplify MFS' business culture with limited supervision. Proven ability to develop and foster strong interpersonal relationships and maintain effective cross‑functional teams throughout the organization. Experience managing the delivery of projects while ensuring success and cooperation of cross‑functional teams, including domestic and international members, is preferred. Proven ability to exercise judgment, pursue initiatives and implement changes necessary to align the functional area with strategic/long‑term goals of MFS and of the Legal Department. Understanding of business operations and practices, procedures and controls specific to the business units supported. Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to develop proficiency in MFS systems. Ability to conduct online research and utilize applicable tools. Embrace the use of technology in the performance of the job and willingness to travel occasionally as necessary. Compensation and Benefits Base Salary Range: $145,000 – $218,500 (eligible for competitive incentive bonus). MFS contributes 15% of your base salary to a retirement account separate from the company‑sponsored 401(k). Education Assistance: $100 monthly up to $10,000 lifetime maximum directly to loan provider. Tuition reimbursement up to $8,000 annually. Access to discounted tutors and college coaches. Generous time off and fully paid leaves, including 20 weeks for maternity, 12 weeks for parental and caregiver leaves. Choice of medical and dental plans with employer contribution to Health Savings Account. Tax‑deferred commuter benefits and flexible spending accounts (medical & dependent care). Wellness Programs: robust wellness webinars, employee assistance program focused on mental health, subsidized fitness benefit via Wellhub, virtual personal training sessions and access to well‑being apps. EEO Statement MFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. Employees and applicants of MFS will not be subject to harassment on the basis of their status. Retaliation, including intimidation, threats or coercion, against employees or applicants who object to discrimination or file a complaint is prohibited. Please see the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal document for reference. #J-18808-Ljbffr