Senior Counsel

Legal Counsel Opportunity

Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced licensed attorney to become an integral part of the GCO Advice and Wealth Management Practice Group, supporting the firm's Retail Advisory business, including managed accounts, financial planning, investment research, and portfolio management activities. The role provides practical, risk-based legal counsel that supports business growth, innovation, effective risk management, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal partner supporting managed accounts, financial planning, investment research, portfolio management, and related advisory solutions.
• Advise business partners on legal, regulatory, and strategic matters affecting advisory products, services, platforms, client offerings, and business initiatives.
• Support the development, enhancement, and governance of advisory programs, disclosures, agreements, and client-facing materials while helping identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
• Partner with Compliance, Risk, and other key stakeholders to promote effective governance, sound risk-management practices, and a culture of compliance.
• Provide guidance regarding emerging legal, regulatory, and industry developments affecting retail advisory businesses, including conducting legal research and benchmarking industry practices.
• Support regulatory examinations, inquiries, and interactions with regulators, outside counsel, and industry organizations, as appropriate

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Strong expertise in the Investment Adviser's Act of 1940, state securities and investment management statutes and regulations (i.e. Regulation Best Interest and FINRA), and applicable self-regulatory organization rules.
• 5+ years of experience as a practicing attorney supporting retail advice offerings in the financial services industry.
• Ability to influence, gain credibility and develop strong working relationships with business partners and external constituencies.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory and industry trends.
• Strong business acumen and ability to provide practical, risk-based legal advice.
• Excellent communication, relationship-management, and collaboration skills.
• Strong judgment, analytical capabilities, and problem-solving skills.
• Admitted to practice law in Minnesota, North Carolina, or eligible for admission as in-house counsel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERISA requirements applicable to retail advisory offerings.
• Experience supporting SEC, state, FINRA, or other regulatory examinations, inquiries, or enforcement matters.
• Experience supporting managed account platforms, dual registrant business models, or complex advisory offerings.
• Experience partnering with business partners on strategic initiatives.
• Experience mentoring paralegals or other legal professionals.