Corporate Counsel - Investments Law

At MetLife, we’re leading the global transformation of an industry we’ve long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.

Role Value Proposition:

In Legal Affairs, we strive to attract, develop and retain diverse talent with the potential to be future leaders of our department and of MetLife as a whole. We seek legal and compliance professionals who demonstrate high intellectual capacity to understand complex matters facing our company, combined with strong leadership competencies to motivate and inspire higher performance by all our professionals. We take an active role in developing the skills of our talent and guiding their professional growth. By promoting skill development and career advancement for our professionals we are better positioned to serve our internal business partners and to help achieve MetLife’s vision of becoming a world-class leader in the insurance, retirement savings and employee benefits industries.

The Role:

MetLife is seeking a versatile and highly motivated finance attorney to join its Fixed Income and Workouts legal team as Corporate Counsel.

The Fixed Income and Workouts legal team is responsible for supporting MetLife Investment Management (MIM) in the origination and management of all public and private fixed income investments, including corporate and infrastructure private placements, bank loans and project finance investments. In addition, the team is responsible for (a) overseeing foreign and domestic debt restructurings and insolvency matters affecting the portfolio, (b) collaborating with our Products, Distribution and Operations legal team in connection with the structuring and formation of new investment vehicles, and (c) advising on laws and regulations impacting the investment activities of MIM and its clients. The attorney may also provide support to adjacent practice areas such as public and private structured finance transactions, including RMBS, CMBS and other asset-backed investments.

This role will report to the VP and Associate General Counsel, Fixed Income & Workouts.

Interested candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Reviewing and negotiating debt transactions, including corporate and infrastructure private placements and bank loans.
• Advising on creditor-side bankruptcy proceedings and restructurings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing timely and pragmatic advice and counsel to business clients in connection with the origination of fixed income investments.
• Supporting business clients in their evaluation of amendments, waivers and consents, and leading negotiations to preserve and/or enhance investor protections.
• Managing external counsel and coordinating with other internal constituencies to ensure timely closing and settlement.
• Advising on issues related to insurance company regulatory limits and investments governance issues.
• Staying abreast of legal and regulatory developments and business trends impacting MIM’s investment portfolio and providing client training, as necessary.

Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:

Required:

• JD and excellent academic credentials from an ABA-accredited school.
• 1 years of relevant experience in investments law, either with a law firm, insurance company or other financial services institution.
• Familiarity with structuring and negotiating debt transactions.
• Active license to practice law in at least one state and a member in good standing of a bar.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a limited license if not already appropriately licensed in NJ.

• An awareness of current economic trends impacting institutional investors.
• A strong work ethic and customer-service mentality.
• Demonstrated legal, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving and negotiating skills and business acumen.
• The ability to work in an environment that emphasizes information sharing, collaboration, teamwork, mutual respect and integrity.

Preferred:

• 2 years of experience preferred.

MetLife:

MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

We are one of the largest institutional investors in the U.S. with $642.4 billion of total assets under management as of March 31, 2021. We are ranked #46 on the Fortune 500 list for 2021. In 2020, we were named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the fifth year in a row. DJSI is a global index to track the leading sustainability-driven companies. We are proud to have been named to Fortune magazine's 2021 list of the "World's Most Admired Companies."

MetLife is committed to building a purpose-driven and inclusive culture that energizes our people. Our employees work every day to help build a more confident future for people around the world.

We want to make it simple for all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities with MetLife. For further information about how to request a reasonable accommodation, please click on the Disability Accommodations link below.

MetLife is a proud Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at MetLife without regards to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.

Requisition #: 123483