Assistant General Counsel - Lawyer - Canada Asset Management

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Family: Counsel

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are a leading global financial services firm with a strong presence in asset management, and we're seeking an experienced Assistant General Counsel to join our Canada Asset Management legal team in Toronto. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of law and finance, providing strategic legal support to our asset management business amid Canada's dynamic regulatory landscape. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned attorney capable of navigating complex issues in investment funds, securities compliance, and corporate transactions, while fostering a culture of integrity and innovation within one of the world's most respected financial institutions. In this position, you will independently advise on a wide array of legal matters, including the structuring and launch of investment products, compliance with OSC and CSA guidelines, and risk mitigation for cross-border activities. Collaborating closely with internal business leaders, compliance officers, and external law firms, you will draft and negotiate key agreements, respond to regulatory inquiries, and ensure adherence to laws such as the Securities Act and AML frameworks. Your role will also involve proactive monitoring of legislative changes and contributing to governance practices that protect client interests and uphold JP Morgan's commitment to ethical standards in asset management. We value attorneys who thrive in a collaborative yet autonomous environment, bringing deep expertise in financial services law to drive business success. This is more than a legal role—it's a chance to influence strategic decisions in a high-growth sector, supported by JP Morgan's global resources and a focus on professional growth. If you have a passion for asset management and a proven ability to deliver sound legal counsel in a regulated industry, join us to help shape the future of finance in Canada.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to JP Morgan Asset Management's Canada team on product development, fund launches, and ongoing operations
• Review and draft contracts, including investment management agreements, distribution arrangements, and service provider contracts
• Advise on compliance with Canadian securities laws, anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, and privacy regulations such as PIPEDA
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external counsel to handle regulatory inquiries, examinations, and enforcement actions
• Conduct legal risk assessments for new business initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships in asset management
• Support corporate governance matters, such as board meetings, disclosures, and fiduciary duties for investment funds
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes from bodies like the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and implement necessary updates
• Assist in litigation and dispute resolution involving asset management clients or counterparties
• Develop and deliver training on legal and compliance topics to business teams
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives on risk management and ethical standards in financial services

Required Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution and active membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant legal experience in asset management, investment funds, or financial services
• Proven track record of providing legal advice on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and transactional matters in the Canadian financial sector
• Experience working with Canadian securities regulators such as the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)
• Strong understanding of applicable laws including the Securities Act (Ontario), Investment Funds Act, and federal regulations under the Bank Act
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal issues independently and collaborate with external counsel
• Fluency in English; French language proficiency is advantageous for bilingual regulatory interactions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in asset management legal roles at a major financial institution or law firm
• Knowledge of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing regulations in Canada
• Prior involvement in cross-border transactions between U.S. and Canadian entities
• Advanced degree or certification in financial law or securities regulation
• Familiarity with fintech innovations and their legal implications in asset management

Required Skills

• Expertise in Canadian securities and investment fund regulations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for complex legal scenarios
• Excellent written and verbal communication for drafting documents and advising stakeholders
• Proficiency in contract negotiation and review
• Knowledge of financial products such as mutual funds, ETFs, and alternative investments
• Regulatory compliance and risk management skills
• Project management for handling multiple legal matters concurrently
• Interpersonal skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Attention to detail in legal research and documentation
• Adaptability to evolving financial industry trends
• Ethical judgment in high-stakes advisory roles
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis
• Time management to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Bilingual capabilities in English and French for regulatory filings
• Strategic thinking for business-aligned legal solutions

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan with generous company matching contributions
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for legal certifications
• Wellness programs with gym memberships and mental health support
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial planning services
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements in Toronto with relocation assistance if applicable

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.