SMBC Group is seeking a VP, Capital Markets Counsel to provide primary legal coverage for the firm's active and growing Investment Grade and High Yield Debt businesses. You will work within the Legal Department, reporting to the Head of Capital Markets & Advisory Legal.
What You'll Do
- Provide day-to-day hands-on legal advice and support for the DCM and High Yield businesses, sitting with the front office team.
- Review and advise on transaction documentation, including offering documents, purchase agreements, legal opinions, and term sheets.
- Identify U.S. and cross-border legal, regulatory, and market issues affecting the businesses, including compliance with SEC and FINRA rules.
- Work closely with and manage outside counsel relationships and legal costs.
- Maintain and update form documents for the DCM and High Yield businesses.
- Collaborate with attorneys and internal partners to ensure adherence to institutional standards and policies.
- Provide additional legal support for Equity Capital Markets and M&A Advisory businesses as needed.
- Contribute to industry initiatives through SIFMA and other trade organizations.
- Review, draft, and negotiate documentation for public offerings, 144A/Reg S transactions, private placements, and liability management transactions.
- Collaborate with colleagues in compliance, transaction management, risk, and planning to review policies and consider new initiatives.
What We're Looking For
- Admission to the New York bar (or clear qualification for waiving in) and member in good standing.
- A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in capital markets at a law firm and in-house legal department.
- Excellent legal and analytical skills and expertise in capital markets transactions.
- Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced, high-volume, demanding environment with minimal supervision.
- Proven skills in legal and regulatory risk management.
- Ability to see past the question, understand the bigger picture, and balance competing demands.
- Ability to articulate complex concepts and apply them to real-world situations.
- Willingness to work a hybrid schedule, including 3 days in office, sitting alongside the business.
- Excellent communication, technical drafting, and issue-spotting skills.
- Ability to think creatively and propose solutions.
- Cross-cultural sensitivity and must be a team player.
Nice to Have
- Prior in-house experience at a financial services institution is strongly preferred.
- Significant experience in DCM/Investment Grade securities is preferred.
Team & Environment
You will work within the Legal Department and report to the Head of Capital Markets & Advisory Legal.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary range: $178,000–$235,000
- SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.
Work Mode
This role follows a hybrid work schedule.
SMBC provides reasonable accommodations during candidacy for applicants with disabilities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
