Associate General Counsel

About Public Trust Advisors:
At Public Trust Advisors, we design and deliver exceptional financial solutions that strengthen communities nationwide. Our vision is to be at the heart of civic life across the country, offering a comprehensive platform of financial services to help communities thrive. As a growing investment advisory firm, we’re excited to welcome a talented Associate General Counsel & to our Investment Advisor Legal & Compliance Team

Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate General Counsel to join our legal team at PTMA Financial Solutions, a leading investment adviser of local government investment pools and other investment solutions to local and state government entities, among other clients. This critical role will provide broad legal support across a range of business functions, including contracts, disclosure, product development, and regulatory matters. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team player with the ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise initiative, and work independently to provide strategic, high-quality legal counsel in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Contracts & Agreements: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including investment management agreements, vendor contracts, client agreements, and other commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

·         Disclosure & Reporting: Oversee the preparation and review of key regulatory filings, product and firm disclosures, and regulatory reports, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and adherence to all regulatory requirements.

·         Product Development: Collaborate with the GC and cross-functional teams to advise on legal issues related to product development, including new investment strategies, vehicles, and fund structures, while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

·         Legal Research: Conduct thorough legal research on a broad range of topics, including regulatory developments, areas of potential liability, emerging legal trends, and industry-specific issues. Provide insightful analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making and mitigate legal risk.

·         Corporate Governance: Assist the GC in maintaining corporate governance standards, producing and delivering board materials, drafting minutes and consents, and ensuring the company’s adherence to best practices.

·         Regulatory Questions & Compliance: Serve as a key point of contact for regulatory questions, working closely with the Compliance department to address inquiries and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies, particularly the SEC. 

·         Cross-Departmental Collaboration & Legal Problem Solving: Work closely with various departments (e.g., portfolio management and trading, compliance, operations, marketing, sales and HR) to serve as a legal resource and problem solver. Provide practical, legally sound advice to different teams, navigating complex challenges with a proactive and solution-oriented approach. Bring creativity and strategic thinking to legal issues, providing alternative solutions and adapting to the evolving needs of the business.

·         Self-Motivation & Initiative: Proactively identify legal risks and opportunities within the organization, taking the initiative to address issues and drive solutions. Demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks independently.

·         Creative & Strategic Thinking: Approach legal challenges with a resourceful and innovative mindset, offering practical and forward-thinking solutions to complex business and legal issues.

Other Possible Responsibilities:

·         Regulatory Liaison: Act as a liaison with regulatory authorities, ensuring the company maintains positive relationships with regulators and is well-prepared for examinations, audits, and regulatory changes.

·         Due Diligence & Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Lead legal due diligence efforts for potential mergers, acquisitions, or other corporate transactions. Advise on structuring, negotiating, and executing transactions while ensuring regulatory compliance and managing legal risks. Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external counsel to ensure smooth integration of acquisitions or other strategic business changes.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• 5-10 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong background in investment management, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working in or with large financial institutions or investment firms, particularly in an advisory capacity.
• Knowledge of investment advisory regulations, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, securities laws, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to handle complex legal matters with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, management, and external parties of various personalities and seniority levels.
• High degree of initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to operate independently while contributing as a collaborative team member.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a creative approach to legal and business challenges.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Membership in good standing with a state bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with regulatory agencies such as the SEC is highly desirable.
• Familiarity and/or experience with FINRA and MSRB regulations is a plus.

·         Familiarity and/or experience with corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions is a plus.

• Knowledge of local government investment pools or state and local governments is highly desirable.