Financial Services Regulatory Enforcement Associate Attorney

Locations
New York, NY; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC

About the Opportunity
Direct Counsel is seeking a junior to midlevel Financial Services Regulatory Enforcement Associate with approximately 2–3 years of experience to join a prominent law firm's financial services practice. The associate will represent financial institutions, fintech companies, and other regulated entities in government investigations, regulatory enforcement proceedings, and related compliance matters. This role offers exposure to complex, high-stakes investigations involving federal and state regulators, with opportunities to work closely with experienced attorneys and take ownership of key aspects of enforcement matters.

Responsibilities

• Represent financial institutions, fintech companies, and other regulated entities in government investigations and regulatory enforcement proceedings.

• Respond to government inquiries, subpoenas, civil investigative demands, and regulatory examinations.

• Draft regulatory submissions, advocacy materials, legal memoranda, motions, and responses to regulators.

• Conduct internal investigations and assist clients in responding to regulatory scrutiny.

• Advise clients on regulatory risks, enforcement exposure, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Analyze emerging enforcement trends and developments in financial services regulation.

• Prepare clients for meetings, presentations, and negotiations with federal and state regulators.

• Support litigation and enforcement proceedings arising from regulatory investigations.

• Manage factual investigations, document collection, review, and production.

• Work closely with partners and client teams to manage matters and advance key workstreams.

• Collaborate with attorneys across financial services and fintech practices on regulatory issues.

Qualifications

• Approximately 2–3 years of experience in regulatory enforcement, government investigations, or related litigation.

• Experience with financial services regulators or government enforcement agencies.

• Law firm experience advising financial institutions, fintech companies, or other regulated entities preferred.

• JD from an accredited law school.

• Active bar membership in the applicable jurisdiction or eligibility for admission.

• Strong analytical, legal research, and writing skills.

• Ability to manage complex matters and take ownership of investigative and enforcement workstreams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to translate complex regulatory issues into practical client advice.

• Strong initiative, sound judgment, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Interest in financial services, fintech innovation, and regulatory developments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range of $215,000–$290,000.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

• 401(k) retirement planning and flexible spending accounts.

• Paid sick leave, approximately three weeks of annual vacation, and 11 paid holidays.

• Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance, and commuter and transit programs.

• Potential eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus.