[Hiring] AVP & Counsel @Manulife

Role Description

The AVP & Counsel role provides robust legal analysis, advice and counsel/representation before the tax authorities to support different areas of the business within Manulife. In addition, the AVP and Counsel will consistently advise senior business people on strategic legal matters and mentor junior counsels.

Position Responsibilities:

• Advise on tax compliance and structuring of new and existing life insurance, annuity and long-term care products (e.g., Sections 72, 101, 817, 817A, 7702, 7702A, and 7702B of the Internal Revenue Code).
• Interpret and apply federal and state income tax laws, including requirements for tax qualification of insurance products.
• Draft and review policy forms, prospectuses, endorsements, and marketing materials for tax-related content and disclosures.
• Support product filings with insurance regulators.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments impacting insurance and retirement products, and advise business units on potential impacts.
• Assist with IRS audits, inquiries, or private letter ruling requests relating to insurance products.
• Support all business units on compliance with federal and state tax withholding and reporting requirements.
• Assist business units in responding to customer and insurance department complaints.
• Advise on tax reporting and withholding requirements, including applicable income tax treaty provisions.
• Review the completeness and accuracy of Forms W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E and W-8IMY submitted by foreign individuals and entities.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum 5 years of legal experience in tax law, ideally with a focus on life insurance products.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal income tax laws.
• Familiarity with IRS guidance, court decisions, and insurance company practices concerning taxation of insurance products.
• Experience working in a law firm or insurance company.
• Strong research, drafting, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to life insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance.
• Familiarity with IRS guidance, court decisions, and insurance company practices concerning taxation of insurance products.

Location

Boston, MA is the preferred location with a hybrid work arrangement; however, we are open to considering qualified candidates for a full-time remote position anywhere within the United States.

Benefits

• 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.
• Various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions).
• Financial education and counseling resources.
• 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.
• Full range of statutory leaves of absence.