** Work Location/Arrangement: This is a hybrid position requiring in-office work three days every week and it is based in M&T Bank's NY, NY office.
Overview:
Provide legal counsel and advice on a wide range of complex legal matters affecting Wilmington Trust and work with senior leaders from various business lines and support units. Execute strategic direction, policies and guidelines for the Legal division and represent the organization with industry associations, government and regulatory bodies. The successful candidate will be a key advisor to senior leadership and will play a critical role in shaping legal strategy and risk management across Wilmington Trust.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Perform a variety of complex or specialized legal activities to protect Wilmington Trust and help ensure it complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, offering proactive legal guidance that supports business growth and risk mitigation.
- Assist with oversight of legal support for institutional services (including custody, corporate trust, fund administration, and securities services) and wealth management (including private banking, investment advisory, and trust services). Ensure legal coverage aligns with business priorities and regulatory expectations.
- Deliver expert legal advice on federal and state regulatory compliance, including:
- Investment Company Act of 1940
- Investment Advisors Act of 1940
- ERISA
- Trust Indenture Act
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
- Uniform Trust Code
- Uniform Prudent Investor Act
- 12 CFR 9 and other banking regulations
- Collaborate with Wilmington Trust business leaders to evaluate and structure new products, services, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives. Ensure activities, policies, business practices, and transactions comply with all relevant laws and regulations and are aligned with the enterprise risk appetite.
- Support regulatory examinations and interface with agencies such as the SEC, OCC, and FINRA.
- Advise senior management on emerging legal risks, proposed legislative and regulatory changes, and strategic responses. Provide clear, actionable recommendations to support enterprise decision-making and long-term planning.
- Partner closely with Head of Litigation for Wilmington Trust to assess, manage, and resolve legal disputes and mitigate risk.
- Work in close coordination with Compliance, Risk and Audit groups to ensure cohesive governance and risk management.
- Design and implement efficient, scalable, and forward-looking legal policies and procedures tailored to the needs of institutional services and wealth management. Drive continuous improvement in legal service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Prepare, review, and oversee complex materials for external legal counsel. Ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with internal standards and strategic goals.
- Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.
Scope of Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for providing analysis and counsel on legal issues for Wilmington Trust. Incumbent should be able to anticipate and guard against legal risks facing Wilmington Trust, develop and recommend corporate policy and positions on a broad range of complex legal issues and conduct and coordinate legal research. This is a senior level position that requires interaction with senior management on a regular basis.
Education and Experience Required:
- J.D. from an accredited law school.
- Minimum of 10 years' experience as an attorney or other relevant legal experience
- Minimum of 7 years' work leadership experience, including experience managing direct reports
- Deep expertise in wealth management, fiduciary law, and institutional financial services.
- New York State or applicable state bar admission.
- Proven leadership and team management experience.
- Ability to identify legal issues, evaluate legal risks, and offer solutions.
- Strong negotiation, interpersonal, organizational skills.
- Excellent writing, analytical and verbal skills.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $245,400.00 - $409,000.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.
Location
New York, New York, United States of America