Position Summary:
The Assistant Special Counsel in the Office of Hearing Officers performs a variety of specific duties, generally applying advanced analytical skills to provide effective legal support to FINRA Hearing Officers in connection with the adjudication of disciplinary proceedings on a wide range of cases brought by FINRA’s Department of Enforcement against FINRA-registered firms and persons associated with FINRA-registered firms. This is a senior-level legal role that requires a minimum of eight years of litigation experience, including courtroom experience and handling pretrial matters, trials, and appeals. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience at FINRA and be licensed to practice law in all applicable jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serves as a legal advisor to Hearing Officers and participates in the adjudication process for disciplinary and expedited proceedings.
- Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda in connection with motions, evidentiary issues, hearings, and decisions.
- Manages case life cycle and hearing process, coordinating with OHO staff, industry panelists, and parties as required.
- Reviews transcripts, exhibits, and other evidence, and outlines and summarizes significant points for hearings.
- Independently drafts well-written default and expedited decisions and orders, and assists Hearing Officers with draft decisions in complex proceedings.
- Prepares legal memoranda to advise hearing panelists on issues of law and procedure.
- Participates in the rule-making process and advises on the impact of proposed rules and changes to procedures.
- Responsible for maintaining OHO’s legal research database and developing reports and communications for senior leadership.
Requirements:
- Law degree and appropriate licensing to practice law in all applicable jurisdictions.
- Minimum of eight years of litigation experience, including courtroom experience and handling pretrial matters, trials, and appeals.
- At least one year of experience at FINRA preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations relevant to litigation and the securities industry.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience in preparing legal memoranda, motions, and briefs.
- Ability to analyze and advocate orally and in writing.
- Advanced analytical and research skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage case life cycle and hearing process.
- Experience in coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
- Understanding of federal securities laws, Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, and self-regulatory rules preferred.
Location and Compensation:
The position is located in Washington, DC, and the salary range varies based on location and other factors such as skill set, experience, and education. The salary ranges for some locations are as follows:
- CA: Minimum Salary $150,600, Maximum Salary $305,000
- CO/HI/MN/VT*: Minimum Salary $131,100, Maximum Salary $254,000
- IL*: Minimum Salary $144,000, Maximum Salary $279,500
- Jersey City, NJ/NYC, NY: Minimum Salary $157,300, Maximum Salary $305,000
- MA/WA: Minimum Salary $131,100, Maximum Salary $292,300
- MD/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $150,600, Maximum Salary $292,300
- NJ State: Minimum Salary $144,000, Maximum Salary $305,000
- NY State: Minimum Salary $131,100, Maximum Salary $305,000
*Including positions performed outside the state but reporting to an office or manager in that state.
Benefits:
FINRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, and legal insurance. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan with company match, receive tuition reimbursement, and participate in various employee wellness programs.
Time Off and Paid Leave:
FINRA encourages employees to focus on their health and wellness by offering 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days, and 9 sick days (pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, employees have two volunteer service days and receive nine paid holidays (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, and parental leave.
Important Information:
As a securities regulator, FINRA has strict restrictions on employees' investments and requires financial disclosures related to their role. Employees must disclose all brokerage accounts and authorize their broker-dealers to provide FINRA with duplicate statements. All securities accounts must be disclosed and moved to a firm that provides an electronic feed within three months of employment.
Additionally, employees must execute FINRA’s Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement and comply with the company’s policy on nepotism.
Search Firm Representatives:
FINRA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. A valid written agreement and task order must be in place before any resumes are submitted. Resumes submitted without a valid agreement will be deemed the sole property of **Members Only**
To apply for this position, please submit an application on the FINRA Careers site. For any inquiries regarding application accommodations, please contact FINRA's Employee Relations team.
FINRA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by the requirements of 41 CFR ) and 41 CFR ), prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and protected veteran status.
