Director, Associate Counsel, Regulatory & International Legal

Your Next Big Legal Move: The Cohen & Steers Director Role

In today's globalized asset management industry, the intersection of regulatory compliance, international fund structures, and strategic legal counsel has become one of the most dynamic and rewarding career arenas for lawyers. Cohen & Steers, a premier global investment manager specializing in real assets, is now hiring a Director, Associate Counsel, Regulatory & International Legal in New York, NY. This is not just another in-house legal position—it is a high-visibility, high-impact role for an experienced attorney ready to navigate the complexities of UCITS funds, cross-border distribution, and evolving global regulations. If you have been looking for a role that combines substantive legal work with strategic business partnering, this opportunity deserves your full attention.

Cohen & Steers has long been recognized as a leader in real assets investing, with a strong presence in both U.S. and international markets. The firm’s commitment to diversity, inclusive culture, and collaborative teamwork makes it an attractive destination for legal professionals seeking a supportive yet challenging environment. As the firm continues to expand its non-U.S. product offerings, the need for a dedicated counsel to handle regulatory and international legal matters has never been greater. This role sits at the heart of that expansion, offering you the chance to shape the firm’s global legal strategy while working alongside senior management and cross-functional teams.

Why This Role Matters in the Global Asset Management Landscape

The investment management industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Regulatory frameworks across Europe, Asia, and the Americas are tightening, and firms like Cohen & Steers must ensure their non-U.S. funds remain compliant while still being competitive. The Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) regime is the gold standard for retail investment funds in Europe, and it is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and successful regulatory frameworks in the world. For any attorney looking to specialize in international finance, UCITS expertise is a powerful differentiator. This role demands not just a working knowledge of UCITS, but a deep, hands-on understanding of how these funds are structured, distributed, and governed across multiple jurisdictions.

“This position requires a high degree of judgment, independence, and cross-functional collaboration, and plays a critical role in supporting both current business operations and future global initiatives within a close-knit team.” – Cohen & Steers Job Posting

The responsibilities listed in the job description reflect the reality of modern legal work in asset management: you are not merely a legal advisor, but a strategic partner who helps the business launch new products, enter new markets, and navigate regulatory change. From drafting distribution agreements to preparing board materials for non-U.S. funds, your work will directly influence the firm’s ability to grow its international footprint. This is the kind of role that can catapult your career from a specialist lawyer to a trusted business leader.

Unpacking the Core Responsibilities: A Glimpse into Your Day-to-Day

The job description outlines three major areas of responsibility:Regulatory & Product Support, Governance & Board Support, and Global Regulatory Monitoring & Implementation. Each area is packed with challenging and intellectually stimulating tasks that will keep you engaged and constantly learning.

Regulatory & Product Support

This is the transactional heart of the role. You will provide legal advice on non-U.S. funds and international products, covering contracts, distribution frameworks, product development, marketing, and sales practices. You will also support distributor onboarding, negotiating and drafting distribution and intermediary agreements—critical documents that ensure the firm’s funds are sold legally and efficiently across borders. Keeping offering documents like prospectuses and KIID/KID disclosures up to date is another key function, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of disclosure requirements in multiple jurisdictions.

• Drafting and negotiating distribution agreements – A core skill that will test your commercial acumen and legal precision.
• Advising on fund maintenance – Ensuring service providers and product structures remain compliant with evolving legal standards.
• Updating fund documentation – A task that demands both technical expertise and a clear communication style.

Governance & Board Support

Fund governance is often the unsung hero of the asset management world. For non-U.S. funds, boards play a critical oversight role, and supporting them is a responsibility that requires diplomacy and an ability to synthesize complex information. You will prepare materials for board meetings, attend those meetings, and draft minutes and resolutions. This exposure to board-level discussions is invaluable—it gives you a front-row seat to how strategic decisions are made and how directors hold management accountable. It also positions you as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, a reputation that can pay dividends throughout your career.

Global Regulatory Monitoring & Implementation

The regulatory landscape is never static, and this role places you at the forefront of change. You will monitor and analyze regulatory developments across global jurisdictions, identify emerging legislation, and communicate their potential impact to Legal, Compliance, and senior management. This is not a passive monitoring role; you will be expected to coordinate the implementation of new regulatory requirements, working closely with front, middle, and back-office teams. For a lawyer who enjoys the intellectual challenge of interpreting new rules and translating them into practical business changes, this aspect of the job is deeply satisfying.

“Serve as a legal and regulatory advisor to business partners across the organization.” – This line underscores the strategic nature of the role.

Are You the Right Fit? Deep Dive into the Requirements

Cohen & Steers is looking for an experienced attorney with a proven track record in financial services. The minimum requirements are clear:

• JD and admission to practice law – A foundational requirement, but the firm also stresses a strong academic and professional record.
• Five+ years of relevant legal experience – Specifically in financial services, with asset management experience highly preferred.
• UCITS expertise – This is non-negotiable. You must have demonstrated experience supporting UCITS funds, including distribution arrangements, intermediary relationships, distribution regulation, and fund governance.
• Global regulatory familiarity – Experience working with non-U.S. jurisdictions and/or regulators is a strong plus.
• Soft skills – The firm emphasizes judgment, independence, collaboration, entrepreneurial spirit, and excellent communication.

Beyond the hard qualifications, the posting repeatedly highlights the need for a “self-starter” and a “consensus-builder.” This tells us that the team at Cohen & Steers values attorneys who can work autonomously but also thrive in a matrixed environment. If you are someone who enjoys taking ownership of complex issues and driving them to resolution, this role will be a perfect match.

Preparing Your Application: Strategies for Standing Out

Given the seniority of this role and the caliber of applicants, you need to approach your application with deliberate strategy. Here are some actionable tips to help you craft an application that captures the hiring team’s attention:

• Tailor your resume to the intersection of regulation and international products – Use the exact keywords from the job description, such as “UCITS,” “distribution agreements,” “fund governance,” and “regulatory implementation.”
• Highlight quantifiable achievements – Instead of just listing responsibilities, show outcomes. Did you launch a new fund? Reduce time-to-market for a product? Successfully navigate a major regulatory change? Put numbers behind those accomplishments.
• Craft a compelling cover letter – Even if not required, a well-written cover letter can set you apart. Explain why you are passionate about global regulatory work and how your experience aligns with Cohen & Steers’ commitment to real assets and inclusive culture.
• Showcase your soft skills – The posting mentions traits like judgment, independence, and collaboration. Use specific examples from your career to demonstrate these qualities.
• Prepare for behavioral questions – Expect questions about how you’ve handled complex regulatory projects, worked with cross-functional teams, or made independent decisions under pressure.

Remember, the hiring process for senior counsel roles often involves multiple rounds, including meetings with the head of the legal department, business leaders, and possibly in-house HR. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing competing priorities, your experience with UCITS, and your views on the future of global fund regulation.

The Career Impact: Where This Role Can Take You

Accepting a role as Director, Associate Counsel at a firm like Cohen & Steers is more than a job change—it is a strategic career move. The exposure you will gain to international fund structures, board governance, and cross-border regulation will make you a highly sought-after specialist. From this platform, you could advance to become Head of Regulatory & International Legal, Chief Legal Officer, or transition into a senior compliance role. The skills you build here—negotiation, strategic advising, and regulatory interpretation—will be transferable across the entire financial services ecosystem.

Moreover, the estimated salary of $200,000-$225,000 places you in the upper echelons of legal compensation, reflecting the value the firm places on this position. Add to that the hybrid work policy, a supportive culture, and the prestige of working with a global asset manager, and this opportunity becomes truly exceptional.

“Cohen & Steers is committed to an inclusive culture, valuing diversity in support of our people and clients.” This commitment is not just a slogan—it is embedded in how the legal team operates.

Your Application Strategy Starts Now

The exact application deadline is not specified in the public posting, which is common for LinkedIn job listings. The posting was live just one day ago, and 33 applicants have already expressed interest. If you meet the requirements, do not wait any longer. Use the Apply button on the original LinkedIn post to submit your application. Make sure your online profiles (LinkedIn, professional portfolio) are up to date, as recruiters will likely check them. In your application, emphasize your ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels—this role is explicitly not a “siloed” legal position.

One final piece of advice: regardless of whether you apply for this specific role, use the job description as a roadmap for your own professional development. The combination of UCITS knowledge, global regulatory awareness, and business partnering skills is a powerful trilogy that will remain in demand for years to come. Invest in learning those skills now, and you will be ready for the next wave of opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UCITS and why is it so important for this role?

UCITS stands for Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities, a regulatory framework that allows collective investment schemes to operate freely across EU member states. It is widely considered a “passport” for investment funds. For this role, deep UCITS expertise is essential because the firm relies on UCITS structures to distribute its funds across Europe and other global markets. Understanding the legal, regulatory, and governance nuances of UCITS is critical to providing effective counsel.

Is this role open to lawyers outside the United States?

The job posting requires a JD and admission to practice law, which typically implies U.S. bar membership, though it does not specify which state. Given the global nature of the work, international experience is highly valued, but you must have credentials that allow you to practice in the U.S. or at least work in a U.S. legal department. If you are a foreign attorney with a strong asset management background, you may still be considered if you can meet the requirements in another way, but the safest assumption is that U.S. bar admission is preferred.

What are the key challenges an incoming Director will face?

The role is challenging because it requires balancing multiple responsibilities—transactional work, board support, and regulatory monitoring—across different time zones and regulatory systems. The firm operates globally, so you may need to work with colleagues and regulators in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Managing this complexity while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and timeliness is the biggest challenge. Successful candidates are those who can prioritize, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly to changing regulatory agendas.

How can I prepare for an interview for this position?

Start by thoroughly reviewing the firm’s public materials, including their annual reports and press releases, to understand their product lines and global strategy. Then, refresh your knowledge of UCITS directives, and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you have handled fund distribution or regulatory change. Practice explaining complex legal concepts to non-lawyers, as the role requires bridging legal and business teams. Finally, prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s priorities and the firm’s upcoming international projects—this demonstrates genuine interest and strategic thinking.