AVP & Counsel

The Opportunity

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 and Manulife respectively. In addition, the AVP and Counsel will consistently advice 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 to 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.

Required 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.

When you join our team:

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We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

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We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

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As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.
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 .

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, mar