Legal Counsel - Litigation & Regulatory

About the Opportunity

Betterment, a premier technology-driven financial services firm, is seeking a versatile and talented attorney to join its high-impact legal team as Legal Counsel - Litigation & Regulatory. Based in New York City, this hybrid role sits at the intersection of fintech innovation, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. The selected candidate will work closely with the product counseling team and report directly to Betterment’s Head of Regulatory and Policy.

Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Counsel, you will manage a diverse portfolio of litigation, regulatory, and policy matters. Daily responsibilities include:

• Dispute Resolution: Building and owning legal processes to manage, triage, and respond to active and threatened legal claims.
• Defense & Representation: Defending the company in litigations, arbitrations (including FINRA or AAA proceedings), and regulatory inquiries, both directly and by managing external counsel.
• Regulatory & Policy Analysis: Monitoring and analyzing legislative updates, proposed rules, and regulatory changes impacting the fintech and financial services sector.
• Business Advisory: Partnering with internal business units to identify legal risks, navigate operational issues, and enhance Betterment's product offerings.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following professional requirements:

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar Admission: Active admission to the New York State Bar.
• Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of relevant litigation experience, gained either within a reputable law firm or as in-house counsel.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional legal judgment, strong writing skills, and the ability to manage complex projects independently in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred/Bonus Qualifications: Familiarity with financial services regulations (such as the Advisers Act, ERISA, banking, or securities laws), experience with retail financial services, or prior in-house experience at a high-growth startup.

Compensation and Benefits

Betterment offers a highly competitive total rewards package, which includes:

• Base Salary: $170,000 - $185,000 per annum (subject to experience and location).
• Incentives: Eligibility for a company variable incentive bonus and equity ownership (new hire and refresher grants).
• Well-being & Time Off: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible paid time off, and a fully paid four-week sabbatical in the sixth year of service.
• Retirement: Day-one 401(k) matching, including matching on qualified student loan payments.

Application & Selection Process

The hiring process typically spans three to five weeks. It involves a thorough review of applications followed by three to four rounds of interviews with future colleagues. Depending on the role, candidates may be asked to complete a case study or technical assessment. Interested candidates should apply promptly through the official application portal.