Chief Counsel

Who We Are

The Missouri Securities Division, part of the Office of the Secretary of State, serves as the state's trusted watchdog for the securities industry. Through our four key sections-Registration, Examinations, Enforcement, and Investor Education-we protect Missouri investors and ensure integrity in the financial marketplace. Our nearly 20-person team regulates both registered and unregistered securities activities across the state and beyond.

If you're an attorney who thrives at the intersection of law, finance, and public service-and you're ready to lead with purpose-this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on Missouri's financial landscape.

Position Overview

As Chief Counsel, you'll serve as the senior legal advisor to the Commissioner of Securities and the Division's leadership team. You'll provide strategic legal guidance, manage complex regulatory issues, and help shape the future of securities regulation in Missouri. This position combines deep legal analysis with real-world leadership and policy influence.

Job Functions and General Responsibilities:

• Provide direct legal support to the Securities Commissioner through research, drafting, and expert counsel on a broad range of securities and regulatory issues.
• Lead the Division's Examinations Section, currently a four-person team that will expand to eight professionals across multiple locations statewide. This is a pivotal leadership role-ideal for an attorney who enjoys developing people, building teams, and steering complex regulatory initiatives.
• Keep abreast of legal, regulatory, and industry developments affecting broker-dealers, investment advisers, and their representatives, and provide guidance on their impact to the Division.
• Conduct disclosure reviews of broker-dealer agent and investment adviser representative applications and make formal recommendations to the Commissioner regarding denials, revocations, or suspensions.
• Assist in drafting and interpreting legislation and administrative rules central to the Division's mission and operations.
• Collaborate across sections to ensure consistent application of securities laws and promote investor confidence.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Commissioner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of Missouri civil and administrative procedure.
• Demonstrated leadership ability-or a genuine willingness to grow in that area-with an emphasis on emotional intelligence and active listening. The ideal candidate values collaboration and fosters trust in their team.
• Strong background in drafting, reviewing, and refining pleadings and other legal documents.
• Exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with internal stakeholders, industry professionals, and outside counsel.
• Sound judgment, independence, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within the Division's policy framework.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to balance priorities effectively.

Qualifications:

• JD from a US ABA-accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in Missouri.
• 5+ years relevant experience, either at a law firm, or combined at a law firm and in-house at a financial services firm.

Why This Role Matters

This isn't a typical government legal position. The Chief Counsel role is ideal for a lawyer who not only understands securities law (or is eager to learn) but also enjoys leading people, influencing policy, and driving positive change. You'll work directly with senior state officials and help shape how Missouri protects investors and regulates its financial markets-all while enjoying the stability, purpose, and professional respect that come with serving in state government.

The above job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.