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Senior Corporate Counsel

Manning & Napier
April 01, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Fairport, New York, United States
$145 - $165 USD yearly

Summary 

Manning & Napier is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel to serve as the firm’s primary in-house legal advisor. This role supports the firm and its affiliated entities across corporate, regulatory, commercial, and risk matters, partnering closely with executive leadership and key stakeholders. 

 

This is a stand-alone position with broad autonomy and responsibility. The role is ideal for a senior attorney who exercises sound judgment, operates independently, and provides practical, business-oriented legal counsel.  

Responsibilities 

  • Serve as the firm’s principal legal advisor, managing day-to-day legal matters across corporate, regulatory, commercial, and risk areas. 
  • Provide practical legal guidance to senior leadership, identifying and managing legal risk and engaging outside counsel as appropriate. 
  • Advise on corporate governance matters, including fiduciary duties, director and officer obligations, and governance best practices. 
  • Support board and committee activities, including preparation of resolutions, consents, minutes, and governance documentation. 
  • Lead legal support for corporate transactions and strategic initiatives, including minority investments, asset sales, restructurings, and internal reorganizations. 
  • Draft, review, and negotiate transaction and commercial agreements; oversee legal due diligence and coordinate external counsel. 
  • Analyze change-of-control, consent, and notice provisions across advisory, credit, and commercial agreements. 
  • Advise on legal and regulatory matters applicable to a registered investment adviser, broker dealer, mutual fund, trust company, including securities regulation, privacy, and employment-related compliance. 
  • Partner with Compliance and HR on policies, employee handbook updates, and firm-wide initiatives. 
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial and vendor contracts. 
  • Oversee litigation, subpoenas, and third-party inquiries; advise on indemnification, insurance coverage, and contingent liabilities. 

Qualifications 

Required 

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school; active member in good standing of the New York State Bar Association 
  • 10+ years of legal experience, including senior in-house or equivalent experience operating independently. 
  • Strong background in corporate governance, commercial contracts, and complex legal issue analysis. 
  • Excellent drafting, communication, prioritization, and judgment skills. 

Preferred 

  • Experience as sole or lead in-house counsel in a lean legal environment. 
  • Background in financial services, investment management, or another regulated industry. 
  • Comfort advising executive leadership and interacting with boards of directors 

Perks

  • Health, dental & vision insurance
  • Employer HSA contribution
  • Opt out credit
  • 401k employer match
  • Paid volunteer days
  • Gym reimbursement

Compensation: $145-165k base salary; additional incentive compensation expected.