Bernstein - Counsel

Bernstein is a global joint venture between AllianceBernstein and Société Générale focused on Equity Research, Sales, and Trading, with approximately 800 employees worldwide.  The Counsel role will sit within the Bernstein Legal Department, working with a small global team of attorneys who advise on all legal topics in connection with the business, including regulatory matters, contract negotiation, employment issues, litigation and enforcement, and corporate secretarial work.  This is an exciting opportunity offering exposure to a wide range of legal issues in Bernstein, which is a standalone business operating within the Societe Generale Group, with its own unique brand, history, and culture.  In addition to advising the Bernstein business globally, you will also work with colleagues at both parent companies on joint initiatives and efforts.

Responsibilities include:

·       Serve as the primary point of contact for client agreement and vendor contract negotiation in the Americas.

·       Assist in identifying and analyzing the legal and regulatory issues relating to a global research, sales, trading, and cash equities business, including client onboarding documentation, trading execution, and the rules, policies and market practices related to managing the interactions between research department and equity capital markets personnel and the distribution of Société Générale’s equity capital markets offerings.

·       Assist legal and compliance departments in advising on communication strategies with regulators and ensuring Bernstein maintains good relationships with its global regulators.

·       Assist in corporate governance and corporate secretarial work and ensuring adequate reporting to senior management.

·       Work on subpoena responses and assist in handling litigation/regulatory enforcement matters generally.

·       Liaising with external and in-house counsels globally.

·       2+ years’ experience at a leading law firm or as an in-house attorney in a corporate legal department (preferably at another financial institution).

·       Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

·       Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal counsel and navigate complex legal issues.

·       Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

·       Maturity, pragmatism, good judgment and business sense, with a strong work ethic, and strong stakeholder management.

·       Proven ability to work collaboratively to solve complex issues in a tight timeframe.

·       Professional proficiency in English

·       Knowledge of and experience with the rules applicable to a global cash equities sales, trading and equity research and equity capital markets businesses. 

·       Experience supporting legal and regulatory matters within a global financial institution.

The role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and includes a competitive benefits package including 401(k) plan with company match, Medical/Dental/Vision, and other benefits for fertility, wellness, student loans and commuters. Actual base salary offer will vary based on skills and experience.

Bernstein is widely recognized as a premier global equity research and brokerage firm, with a trading platform that spans the US, Europe, and Asia. Our research and trading capabilities are sought out by leading investment managers around the world, and we have a long history of our research receiving #1 rankings for overall quality and industry knowledge.

Research is our legacy and foundation. Our brand is defined by our Blackbooks, renowned for their in-depth quantitative forecasts and unmatched industry expertise. Our Research Analysts are thought leaders who typically have many years of direct experience in the industries they cover. Our reputation is for the very highest caliber of disciplined investment and industry analysis.

In 2019 Bernstein acquired Autonomous Research, a highly regarded global financial services independent research firm. This acquisition further strengthened us as the preeminent provider of the highest-quality research to our clients worldwide.

On April 1, 2024, AllianceBernstein and Societe Generale announced the official launch of Bernstein, a new joint venture expanding our global cash equities and equity research business. Clients now have unparalleled equity liquidity access and a full range of integrated services, leveraging Bernstein’s cash equities and research capabilities and Societe Generale’s equity derivatives, prime services and equity capital markets offering.