Global Legal Counsel Litigation Associate Director

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The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced litigator to join our Global General Counsels Office (GCO) team. The successful candidate will help defend claims made against EY including claims alleging professional malpractice, breach of contract, and securities class action litigation. This role actively manages and participates in the defense of litigation, mediations, arbitrations and other civil proceedings. This role will also respond to subpoenas, inquiries and investigations by regulators. This position serves a critical advisory and risk management function addressing compliance with applicable laws, regulations and firm policies governing all service lines compromising EY’s business.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of various litigation, enforcement matters, and investigations, including internal investigations
• Advise and assist on matters involving cross-border issues or which could have a significant financial or reputational impact to EY
• Consult with partners and other stakeholders on potential or threatened litigation to avoid significant civil, criminal or regulatory exposure
• Coordinate responses to regulatory subpoenas and preservation requests by determining the appropriate custodians, drafting the preservation notice, and ensuring compliance
• Advise on issues of professional responsibility and risk management such as client acceptance and continuances, conflicts of interest, document retention, independence, professional standards and guidance, restatements, special investigations, and discovery of financial statement errors or potential client fraud
• Formulate defense strategies and other tactical decisions in potential or active litigation matters involving EY and consult on defense strategies with relevant stakeholders
• Work with outside counsel and actively manage outside counsel spend to ensure resources are appropriately spent
• Conduct interviews of potential expert witnesses and current or former personnel in connection with litigation or other matters
• Participate in mediations and other settlement negotiations to resolve disputes in a cost-effective manner
• Prepare key documents in litigation, including legal briefs, pleadings and discovery requests
• Prepare witnesses for testimony
• Develop and recommend EY policy and positions on legal issues

To Qualify for the Role You Must Have

• Significant autonomy in making difficult and nuanced decisions involving litigation, criminal and regulatory proceedings
• Experience as an attorney with significant litigation, including trial and related experience
• Exceptionally strong analytical abilities to synthesize facts and law to determine actions
• Understanding of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to EY and its industry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interface and communicate effectively and diplomatically with all levels of EY personnel including firm leaders and managing partners
• Proven ability to create, plan and successfully execute projects; ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to manage outside counsel effectively
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college; top of class preferred
• Law degree from a top law school; top of class preferred
• 8 years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in a law firm or corporate legal department
• Active license as an attorney to practice law in the location of the EY office

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Strong team player with excellent negotiation and communication skills and cultural awareness
• Proactive attitude, positive mindset, high emotional intelligence, resilience, flexibility, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Ability to collaborate effectively across geographic locations
• Ability to grasp, understand and articulate complex legal and contractual principles

What We Offer You

The compensation ranges below comply with United States pay transparency laws. Other geographies will follow local salary guidelines. EY will develop you with future-focused skills and experiences, empower you in a flexible environment, and foster a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams.

Comprehensive compensation and benefits package; base salary ranges vary by location. EY Total Rewards includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and paid time off options.

Hybrid work model: most external client-serving roles are expected to be in person 40-60% of the time, depending on engagement, project, or year.

Flexible vacation policy; time off for designated EY holidays, breaks, personal/family care, and other leaves of absence as needed.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today. EY accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

EY focuses on high ethical standards and integrity and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.

EEO Statement

EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis. EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online or an accommodation during the application process, please contact EY Talent Shared Services.