General Counsel Associate

It's rewarding to work for a mission-driven organization! Join us at the forefront of investor protection.

Our Mission

The PCAOB oversees the audits of public companies and SEC-registered brokers and dealers in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports.

Job Description

The PCAOB has a full-time, regular position for a General Counsel Associate in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). General Counsel Associates are the OGC subject matter experts and are formally assigned to one or more regulatory or corporate program areas, where they will provide legal advice and perform tasks supporting the Board and PCAOB offices and divisions with respect to their legal matters. General Counsel Associates are expected to work autonomously, interface directly with the Board and our internal “clients,” and provide high-quality legal services on all matters within their remit. The position will be based in the PCAOB’s Washington, DC headquarters office and will report to Senior Associate, General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as in-house counsel, with duties primarily in one of two program areas: (1) advising and counseling on Registration, Inspections, Enforcement, and Standards or (2) advising on organizational operation including, but not limited to, contract review, internal policies and procedures, finance, human resources, privacy and data protection, and insurance.

• Research and analyze legal issues arising in the adjudication of contested accountant disciplinary proceedings, including drafting rulings on evidentiary and procedural matters, and helping to prepare draft opinions for recommendation to the Hearing Officer or Board.

• Serve as Office of General Counsel point person and technical expert on one or more program areas.

• Engage in and coordinate assignments involving novel legal issues and coordinate with other PCAOB offices and divisions.

• Oversee the work of outside counsel.

• Represent the PCAOB and negotiate arrangements relating to the PCAOB’s regulatory program with external organizations and agencies.

• Facilitate PCAOB compliance with SEC requirements.

• Lead the work on assigned cases and provide direction to teams of attorneys within the Office of General Counsel.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Technical Expertise

• Juris doctor (JD) from an accredited law school in the United States.

• Active member of the Bar.

• Minimum of 12+ years of legal experience with either a law firm, corporation, government agency, regulatory body, or combination thereof.

• Experience in an environment related to accounting, financial matters, or public auditing.

• Superior technical abilities, regulatory knowledge, and leadership skills.

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to effectively represent the organization to a variety of both internal and external constituencies.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Strong time management and organization skills.

• Ability to respond to changing circumstances and adapt to meet new opportunities/challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience relating to securities laws.

• Knowledge and experience relating to rulemaking and administrative law.

Our Values

As we seek to accomplish our mission and implement our vision, we expect integrity, pursue excellence, operate with effectiveness, embrace collaboration, and demand accountability.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All PCAOB employees are entitled to equal opportunity and a professional work environment, free of discrimination and harassment. A workplace free of discrimination is fundamental to professional success and to the PCAOB's mission. The PCAOB will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.