VP, Public Markets Attorney

Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM), together with its investment advisory affiliates, has more than 1,300 investment professionals in 25 countries around the world and $1.6 trillion in assets under management or supervision as of March 31, 2025. MSIM strives to provide strong long-term investment performance, outstanding service, and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide. As part of an integrated global financial services firm, MSIM is a truly global business with a broad offering from active fixed income and equities to alternatives and customized solutions. This is an exciting time to join MSIM: the combination of scale and diversification in the business positions us well strategically for long-term growth, and we have ambitious goals to continue growing the business.
Group Description
MSIM's legal team works closely with our business partners to provide well-reasoned, concise legal, regulatory, and strategic advice on current, proposed or anticipated business activities of MSIM across its equities, fixed income & liquidity, alternative investments and solutions & multi-assets businesses in order to execute business objectives while managing legal, regulatory and franchise risks. MSIM lawyers are proud of their reputation as problem solvers who collaborate across areas and regions to deliver powerful results.

Position Summary
You will be part of the public-side legal team, reporting to the Head of Public Side Legal and working under the supervision of senior attorneys. You will advise on MSIM's registered equity, fixed income and liquidity funds, ETFs, private funds, and institutional business. 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 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:
> Advising portfolio management, product development/management and sales teams
> Assisting business units in the structuring and launch of new registered and unregistered products
> Reviewing and preparing registration statements, PPMs and related documents, proxy materials, and documentation in connection with business transactions for MSIM funds
> Negotiating various agreements including investment advisory, managed account, service provider and side letters
> Advising the business on regulatory developments and changes in legal requirements
> Coordinating with MSIM Legal colleagues in non-US offices in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan
> Coordinating with colleagues in other groups such as Compliance, Litigation, and Global Financial Crimes/AML Requirements

Requirements

You thrive on working in a fast-paced, global business that demands creativity, excellence, and adaptability, and requires attention to detail, strong time management and organizational skills, and a logical/analytical approach. You think critically, spot issues, and exercise good judgement. You enjoying working in a team environment but are also able to work independently. Other specific requirements include:
> A J.D. from a nationally-recognized law school with bar admission and at least 3-8 years of professional working experience at a reputable law firm or asset-manager with a focus on registered products
> At least 6 years' relevant experience would generally be expected to find the skills required for this role.
> Understanding of the regulatory environment and trends relevant to asset management with experience advising on legal matters related to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933 and ERISA
> Experience engaging and overseeing external counsel as necessary
Compensation is commensurate with experience
Location
> This position can be in New York, NY or Boston, MA with a requirement of 4 days in the office per week.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

At Morgan Stanley, we raise, manage and allocate capital for our clients – helping them reach their goals. We do it in a way that’s differentiated – and we’ve done that for 90 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 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There’s also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.

To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices​ into your browser.

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $120,000 and $205,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in experience and background.  Our recruiting efforts reflect our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion, where individuals are hired, developed, and advanced based on their skills and talents.

Our workforce reflects a broad cross-section of the global communities in which we operate, bringing a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences.

For more information, please visit: https://www.morganstanley.com/people-opportunities/eeo.