Assistant Vice President, Senior Associate Counsel - Procurement

Position Summary
Focus is seeking an experienced and strategic attorney to join our team as Assistant Vice President, Senior Associate Counsel - Procurement. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to support our rapidly growing organization by providing expert legal counsel on a wide range of commercial contracts, with a particular focus on advancing our technology, data and procurement strategy.
As a member of our legal team, you will play a significant role in shaping and enhancing Focus’ procurement processes, policies and workflows. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in contract negotiation and review, with specialized expertise in procurement, software services, cloud technologies and professional services. This role is ideal for a proactive, business-minded attorney who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to drive meaningful impact across the organization.
This role can be based in St. Louis, MO; New York, NY; Boston, MA.
St. Louis is the preferred location for this role.
Primary Responsibilities

• Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Review. Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of technology and data-driven commercial agreements, including software, AI-enabled tools, consulting, IT, professional services, non-disclosure agreements and other standard commercial contracts. Address key contractual terms related to data rights, confidentiality, intellectual property and information security in support of technology-driven and commercial transactions. Execute contracts from intake through negotiation and execution, supporting timely and commercially sound outcomes and escalating complex or high-risk issues as appropriate.
• Stakeholder Collaboration. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams, including finance, tax, technology, procurement, vendor management, cybersecurity and legal colleagues, to ensure contractual terms align with organizational objectives and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Serve as a key legal partner throughout the vendor lifecycle, supporting vendor selection and onboarding, ongoing relationship management, contract changes and renewals, and offboarding, as needed.
• Contracting Policies & Process Improvement. Contribute to the development, refinement, and maintenance of contract templates, clause libraries, negotiation playbooks, and internal guidance to promote efficiency, consistency, and scalability in contracting and procurement practices. Support the continuous improvement of contracting and procurement policies, procedures and best practices in alignment with strategic business initiatives and operational needs.
• Regulatory Awareness & Compliance. Stay informed on evolving laws, regulations and industry standards impacting commercial contracting, procurement, data privacy and technology transactions, including emerging trends related to AI and technology contracting. Advise internal stakeholders on relevant regulatory developments and their implications for contractual obligations and business practices, supporting ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.
  

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• Active attorney’s license in good standing in all jurisdictions of admission.
• 4+ years of legal experience with a strong foundation in commercial contract law, with a preference for candidates who have focused on technology contracts within the financial services sector, particularly in the registered investment advisor space.
• Prior in-house legal experience is required.
• Proven expertise in contract negotiation, drafting, and review, with the ability to manage complex agreements efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize a high volume of contracts across multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly detail-oriented with a proactive, strategic approach to problem-solving and risk management.
• Strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally with business leaders and stakeholders, providing clear, actionable legal guidance.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to both legal and non-legal audiences.
  

This is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $150,000- $170,000. Actual base pay could vary based on factors including but not limited to experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate’s experience and education.
About Focus Financial Partners
Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client-first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
The following language is for US based roles only
For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here
For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.
For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.
For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.
For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.