AVP, Litigation Counsel

The Litigation Counsel for the U.S.
Segment (John Hancock) and Global Wealth and Asset Management works as a member of a highly experienced team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff.
The Litigation Counsel reports to the Chief Litigation Counsel for John Hancock and Global Wealth and Asset Management ('GWAM') and has responsibility for the management of litigation matters in which Manulife Financial Corporation ('MFC'), John Hancock, or an affiliated entity is a party.
Position Responsibilities:

Developing and implementing strategy for defensive and affirmative litigation for the US Segment, GWAM, and other MFC legal entities and ensuring the smooth execution of that strategy internally and by outside counsel;
Advising and assisting Manulife Investment Management's U.S.
Retirement team as well as providing guidance regarding related legacy group annuity products.
In this role, Litigation Counsel provides analysis and advice regarding ERISA fiduciary duties, prohibited transactions, and retirement plan administration;
Effectively managing litigation costs to achieve favorable litigation and alternative dispute resolution outcomes.
Managing compliance with MFC policies and practices to reduce legal costs while increasing the scope of services that the US Litigation Function provides to the US Segment and GWAM;
Providing ongoing consultation to business stakeholders and Law Department management on litigation strategies and emerging litigation risks;
Representing the company in litigation-related negotiations, judicial proceedings, mediation, and arbitration;
Supervising, and having accountability for, the execution of litigation strategy and work product generated by outside litigation counsel and in-house US Litigation Function staff;
Managing and coordinating third-party process responses in the U.S., including responding to Department of Labor audits and subpoenas;
Actively working closely with the e-discovery team within Global Investigative & Forensics Services to implement best practices relating to the identification, preservation, and production of electronically stored information in litigation and regulatory matters;
Drafting, reviewing, and coordinating the submission of internal and external litigation reporting, including segments of corporate financial statements, board-of-directors memoranda, audit letters, and other public reporting.
Required Qualifications:

At least 7 years of relevant litigation experience from corporate, law firm, government, or military roles;
Juris Doctor Degree;
Membership in good standing in the bars of at least one U.S.
state and at least one federal court for the previous 6 years (or membership in good standing in the bar of at least one Canadian province) and continued future bar membership.
Preferred Qualifications:

Superior writing and communication skills;
Thorough knowledge of ERISA and extensive experience with ERISA litigation is strongly preferred;
Extensive experience with all phases of complex litigation.
When you join our team:

We'll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
We'll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
As part of our global team, we'll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better.
To learn more about us, visit our story .
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity.
We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals.
We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment.
A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process.
All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies.
To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact *** .
Primary Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Working Arrangement
Hybrid
Salary range is expected to be between
$148,400.00 USD - $275,500.00 USD
If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact *** for the salary range for your location.
The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training.
Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.
Manulife/John Hancock offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans.
We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources.
Our generous paid time off program in the U.S.
includes up to 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick time (or more where required by law) each year, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.
Know Your Rights I Family & Medical Leave I Employee Polygraph Protection I Right to Work I E-Verify I Pay Transparency
Company:
John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.)
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