Job Description Summary

Under general direction and with a high level of autonomy, uses extensive knowledge and skills obtained through education and experience to manage legal matters that involve Raymond James Trust, N.A. and Raymond James Trust Company of New Hampshire (the “Trust Companies”). The Trust Companies are non-depository subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc., a financial holding company. May lead major projects, programs or processes that have significant business impact and involve cross-functional teams. Influences strategic direction, develops tactical plans, and completes complex assignments with substantial latitude for unreviewed actions or decisions. Provides comprehensive solutions to complex problems or needs. End results are evaluated for achieving goals and objectives. Maintains extensive contact with internal customers, Senior Management, and outside counsel to identify, research, analyze and resolve complex legal issues with significant impact.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Under general direction and with a high level of autonomy, uses extensive knowledge and skills obtained through education and experience to manage legal matters that involve Raymond James Trust, N.A. and Raymond James Trust Company of New Hampshire (the “Trust Companies”). The Trust Companies are non-depository subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc., a financial holding company. May lead major projects, programs or processes that have significant business impact and involve cross-functional teams. Influences strategic direction, develops tactical plans, and completes complex assignments with substantial latitude for unreviewed actions or decisions. Provides comprehensive solutions to complex problems or needs. End results are evaluated for achieving goals and objectives. Maintains extensive contact with internal customers, Senior Management, and outside counsel to identify, research, analyze and resolve complex legal issues with significant impact.

Responsibilities:

• Provides advice and counsel to the Trust Companies as both legal counsel and a strategic business partner on a wide range of business, legal, and regulatory matters, in particular with respect to fiduciary and trust activities, including 12 C.F.R. 9.
• Provide support to the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Trust Companies, including, among other things, providing advice on corporate governance matters and assisting in taking and preparation of minutes for the boards of directors of the Trust Companies and their committees.
• Manages dispute resolution, outside counsel engagement and litigation together with matters that present or may potentially present litigation risk in connection with the Trust Companies, as needed.
• Oversees and manages outside counsel in activities associated with the Trust Companies.
• Relying on strong critical thinking and legal analytical skills, drafts, reviews, edits, and negotiates a wide range of agreements between the Trust Companies and third parties, including affiliates.
• Reviews proposed new business activities or products to identify and mitigate legal risk.
• Interprets, applies and recommends changes to organizational policies and procedures.
• Participates in business and risk committees and meetings.
• Reviews progress of assignments with senior management.
• Balances conflicting resource and priority demands.
• Prepares and delivers written and oral presentations to senior management and others on legal issues.
• Maintains currency in laws affecting the Trust Companies and advises the Trust Companies on applicable current and proposed laws and guidance, including regulations.
• Engages in advocacy regarding laws and guidance affecting the Trust Companies.
• Collaborates with other attorneys across the Legal Department at Raymond James Financial, Inc.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills:

• Managing a large volume of complex corporate legal functions.
• Developing, preparing and presenting legal theories and strategies.
• Researching and analyzing laws and guidance related to trust companies, including 12 C.F.R. 9.
• Preparing and delivering written and oral presentations on legal issues to associates of all levels.
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications, including legal case management software and Microsoft office.

Education/Previous Experience:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with excellent academic credentials and a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in the relevant practice area(s) (law firm, regulator or self-regulatory organization, and/or in-house in a trust company or related area involving financial services industry preferred).

OR ~

• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Member in good standing in at least one state bar; and

• Ability to obtain Florida Authorized House Counsel, if Florida resident and not a member of the Florida bar.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD): Law

Work Experience

General Experience – 10 to 15 years

Certifications

State Bar (Any State) - American Bar Association

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Remote

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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