What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Legal Counsel position at Charles Schwab?
Your opportunity
Director, Legal Counsel
At Schwab, you are empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us “challenge the status quo” and transform the finance industry together.
Charles Schwab is looking for a Director, Legal Counsel to support multiple retail-focused broker-dealer and investment adviser business units and work daily with managers, directors, and managing director-level business clients as a trusted counselor. This critical role will identify, analyze, document, and give advice on legal issues and risks relevant to Schwab’s Investor Services and Wealth and Advice Services businesses.
The Director will function as part of a small team supporting Schwab’s broker-dealer and investment advisory products, services, and sales channels for Schwab’s retail business. You will be the primary day-to-day legal advisor for working groups devoted to multiple projects and initiatives helping to define the future of Schwab. You will help to facilitate strategic business goals by developing a deep knowledge of business priorities and practices and an ability to quickly assimilate such knowledge into your legal advice.
You will work directly with clients and second-line risk partners in Compliance in both ad hoc and project-based settings, providing legal advice in writing and engaging with outside counsel where necessary. You will also provide practical, plain-English business counsel that is informed by knowledge of both business goals and legal and regulatory requirements and risks.
What you have
At Schwab, you’re empowered to shape your future. We champion your growth through meaningful work, continuous learning, and a culture of trust and collaboration—so you can build the skills to make a lasting impact. Our Hybrid Work and Flexibility approach balances our ongoing commitment to workplace flexibility, serving our clients, and our strong belief in the value of being together in person on a regular basis.
We offer a competitive benefits package that takes care of the whole you – both today and in the future:
Director, Legal Counsel
At Schwab, you are empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us “challenge the status quo” and transform the finance industry together.
Charles Schwab is looking for a Director, Legal Counsel to support multiple retail-focused broker-dealer and investment adviser business units and work daily with managers, directors, and managing director-level business clients as a trusted counselor. This critical role will identify, analyze, document, and give advice on legal issues and risks relevant to Schwab’s Investor Services and Wealth and Advice Services businesses.
The Director will function as part of a small team supporting Schwab’s broker-dealer and investment advisory products, services, and sales channels for Schwab’s retail business. You will be the primary day-to-day legal advisor for working groups devoted to multiple projects and initiatives helping to define the future of Schwab. You will help to facilitate strategic business goals by developing a deep knowledge of business priorities and practices and an ability to quickly assimilate such knowledge into your legal advice.
You will work directly with clients and second-line risk partners in Compliance in both ad hoc and project-based settings, providing legal advice in writing and engaging with outside counsel where necessary. You will also provide practical, plain-English business counsel that is informed by knowledge of both business goals and legal and regulatory requirements and risks.
What you have
- At least 5 years’ experience practicing law at a major law firm representing financial services companies, in-house with a large broker-dealer and/or investment adviser, or as a staff attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission, FINRA, or a state securities regulator.
- Deep understanding of Investment Advisers Act, the Securities Exchange Act and FINRA Rules and state laws and regulations relevant to broker-dealers and investment advisers.
- Working knowledge of the impact of ERISA on the provision of investment advice in brokerage and investment advisory retirement accounts.
- Excellent communications skills and ability to brief senior business executives. Ability to communicate effectively with non-lawyer business partners.
- Ability to build trust and rapport with business clients and function as a highly engaged and responsive partner.
At Schwab, you’re empowered to shape your future. We champion your growth through meaningful work, continuous learning, and a culture of trust and collaboration—so you can build the skills to make a lasting impact. Our Hybrid Work and Flexibility approach balances our ongoing commitment to workplace flexibility, serving our clients, and our strong belief in the value of being together in person on a regular basis.
We offer a competitive benefits package that takes care of the whole you – both today and in the future:
- 401(k) with company match and Employee stock purchase plan
- Paid time for vacation, volunteering, and 28-day sabbatical after every 5 years of service for eligible positions
- Paid parental leave and family building benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Health, dental, and vision insurance