Parametric Derivatives Attorney, VP

We're seeking someone to join our team as a Vice President in Investment Management Legal to advise Parametric and other Investment Management businesses on derivatives-related trading agreements and related regulatory obligations.

In the Legal & Compliance division, we assist the Firm in achieving its business objectives by facilitating and overseeing the Firm's management of legal, regulatory and franchise risk. This is a Vice President level position within the Investment Management Legal team.

Since 1935, Morgan Stanley is known as a global leader in financial services, always evolving and innovating to better serve our clients and our communities in more than 40 countries around the world.

You will be part of the MSIM legal team, reporting to the Head of Solutions and Multi-Assets Legal and working under the supervision of senior attorneys. You will advise MSIM’s Parametric business, which partners with advisors, institutions and consultants to build customized client portfolios across asset classes including equity, derivatives, fixed income, and options. You will also advise other MSIM Public Side businesses on derivatives-related trading agreements and related regulatory obligations.

This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge sales and trading expertise with a funds and asset management product advisory role. MSIM's business is constantly evolving and as a global firm Morgan Stanley continues to focus on delivering investment products and solutions to our clients, so you will have opportunities to collaborate with legal teams covering MSIM’s Public and Private Side businesses and Morgan Stanley’s other divisions, such as wealth management and institutional securities.

As such, you must be interested in and able to develop an expertise in new coverage areas. Specific responsibilities include:

• Working closely with business partners to support Parametric products, clients, and initiatives
• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts, including investment management agreements and derivatives-related trading agreements (e.g. ISDAs, FCM agreements, repo agreements)
• Advising on MSIM’s regulatory obligations under the Commodity Exchange Act, Investment Advisers Act, National Futures Association regulations, and other relevant laws governing the investment management industry
• Collaborating with other attorneys within Morgan Stanley’s Legal and Compliance Division on a wide range of legal matters related to the investment management industry
• Assisting other legal team members and the Parametric business team with matters relating to private investment funds

• A J.D. from a nationally-recognized law school with bar admission
• Professional working experience at a reputable law firm or asset-manager
• Significant experience with swaps, futures, options and/or OTC derivative transactions, and associated legal agreements and regulatory obligations.
• Demonstrated experience drafting and reviewing a range of complex agreements, including derivatives trading agreements, investment management agreements and private funds documents.
• Deep understanding of external regulatory environments and trends relevant to asset management, including matters arising under the Commodity Exchange Act, National Futures Association rules, relevant exchange and clearinghouse rules and procedures, Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, Dodd‑Frank Act, and Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
• Experience engaging and overseeing external counsel as necessary

At least 6 years' relevant experience would generally be expected to find the skills required for this role.

We are committed to maintaining the first‑class service and high standard of excellence that have defined Morgan Stanley for over 89 years. Our values—putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back—aren’t just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what’s best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000…