Assistant General Counsel - Global Investment Banking - Vice President

Job Description

The Global Investment Banking Legal Practice Group provides legal support to the firm’s Capital Markets, M&A Advisory and Research groups.  Among other topics, this Practice Group provides primary legal coverage to the Mergers and Acquisitions teams on M&A laws and related matters, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating on a full range of documentation (such as engagement letters, fairness opinions, valuation letters, transactional proxy disclosures and confidentiality agreements). The Practice Group supports many of the firm’s most innovative and cutting edge transactions and initiatives and is significantly involved in shaping industry views on market practice developments. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior/mid-level attorney with a strong foundation in M&A transactions to join a successful, well-established global team of professionals and be a part of one of the premier investment banks in the country and the world.

As a Vice President, Assistant General Counsel in the Global Investment Banking Legal Practice Group you will focus on the firm’s M&A transactional work, including public and private sell side, buy side, strategic, and defense transactions.  The attorney in this role will handle reviewing, drafting, negotiating and advising on the full range of documentation relating to M&A transactions (e.g., engagement letters, fairness opinions, valuation letters, transactional proxy disclosures and NDAs). Additionally, the attorney will advise on a wide variety of related legal, conflicts and litigation risk mitigation issues. You will work both independently and with colleagues across the Practice Group (Capital Markets and Research) and across the Firm, including Compliance, Conflicts and Litigation, and will also manage and supervise external counsel engaged in related assignments. 

The Legal Department at JPMorgan Chase & Co. manages legal and other risks, advises on products and services, interprets laws and regulations that impact the firm, and advises the firm on other matters.  Our global team is made up of about 2,000 lawyers and legal professionals with a reputation as thought leaders who deliver best-in-class services. As trusted advisors, we help the firm’s clients while also safeguarding the integrity of the firm.  We are committed to a culture of inclusivity and belonging, where people can grow and succeed throughout their careers while working for a first-in-class financial institution doing cutting-edge work. If these values resonate with you, we would like to hear from you.

Job responsibilities

• Draft and / or negotiate engagement letters, indemnity letters, NDAs, etc.
• Review of fairness opinions, valuation presentations, merger agreements, M&A related proxy statements and registration statements and other M&A transaction agreements. 
• Provide guidance and subject matter expertise on new and existing legal and/ or regulatory requirements to internal business and functional partners, including Compliance, Conflicts and Litigation. 
• Partner with senior attorneys to assist with training and other department initiatives.
• Manage and update template documents, such as contracts, guidelines, memos and other documents. 
• Contribute to the development of industry positions on market developments.

Required qualifications, capabilities and skills

• Law school degree (JD) and admission to NY bar required.
• Extensive experience reviewing, drafting and / or negotiating M&A transaction documents, e.g. engagement letters, merger agreements, fairness opinions, valuation presentations, proxy statements, registration statements, NDAs and other documents relating to public and private M&A transactions.
• Excellent drafting skills, strong attention to detail and ability to work independently on transactions and projects. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and legal research skills. Proven ability to independently identify issues, analyze problems and provide viable solutions.
• Enthusiastic, “can-do” attitude is critical to role, as well as a strong desire to work closely with M&A bankers and the Legal practice group.
• Polished verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate complex legal issues to senior managers or executives and to negotiate with clients.
• Team player, confident and proactive, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus across a global matrix organization.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure, handle deadlines, and manage multiple tasks in a high performance environment.

Preferred qualifications, capabilities and skills

• Minimum of five full years’ experience, including M&A transactional background, contract drafting and negotiation work.   Prior experience working for or representing a full service investment bank (on M&A, Capital Markets or other transactional assignments) is a strong plus.   
• Familiarity with landmark Delaware case law related to M&A litigation. Conflicts management familiarity a strong plus.
• Strong interest in new and emerging technology solutions and applications, including a baseline understanding of AI concepts, and issues relative to such technologies.

All candidates for roles in the Legal department must successfully complete a conflicts of interest clearance review prior to commencement of employment. Attorneys must be licensed to practice law and a member in good standing or otherwise eligible to practice law in the jurisdiction in which the position is based.   

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.