Jessica Burt is a partner in the firm’s investment management practice, where she advises clients on the regulatory, governance and operational complexities of the asset management industry. Her practice centers on registered funds, independent directors and investment advisers, with a particular emphasis on compliance, board oversight and federal regulatory frameworks.
Jessica regularly counsels boards of directors and fund complexes on fiduciary responsibilities, oversight protocols, and best practices for navigating U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other federal rules. She supports clients in preparing registration materials, structuring board meetings, and responding to regulatory inquiries. Her work includes advising on anti-money laundering (AML) programs, data privacy compliance, and risk mitigation strategies across fund operations.
Known for her practical approach and deep regulatory insight, Jessica helps clients manage evolving obligations under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and related federal statutes. She also works closely with legal and compliance teams to develop policies and procedures that align with industry standards and regulatory expectations.
Jessica frequently speaks on topics such as board governance, AML enforcement trends, and data privacy developments, and contributes to thought leadership in the investment management space.
Featured Representative Matters
Represented a large investment management company complex in the adoption of 17 equity and fixed-income mutual funds.
Assisted in the ongoing representation of a mutual fund complex in connection with the launch of an alternative strategy fund, including drafting and reviewing registration statements, review of sub-adviser materials, response to SEC inquiries, and preparation of necessary shareholder report disclosures.
Engaged to advise the board of directors of a bank-owned investment management company complex on matters of corporate governance, fund oversight and compliance with federal securities laws.
Handled a merger and internal fund reorganization for an investment company client and prepared proxy statement electing trustees and approving new advisory and sub-advisory relationships.
Assisted in an engagement with a pension consulting firm located in Guam to establish a series of collective trust funds.
Engaged to represent a large investment management company complex with the redomestication of its closed-end funds to Delaware statutory trusts, followed by mergers involving the closed-end funds and various open-end funds.
Memberships
Member, 100 Women in Finance
Member, American Bar Association
Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
Member, Stradley Ronon Inclusion Committee
Member, Stradley Ronon Hiring Committee
Recognitions
Fellow, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (2026)
The Legal 500 US (Mutual/Registered/Exchange-Traded Funds) (2021)
Languages
French
Spanish
Featured Speaking Engagements
Panelist, “Reg S-P,” Vigilant Compliance
Panelist, “Navigating FinCEN’s AML/CFT Rules: Compliance Strategies for 2026 and Beyond,” CBIZ, M&T Bank and Stradley Ronon CLE
Speaker, “Talking ESG,” American University Washington College of Law (June 2, 2022)
Panelist, “Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Investment and Regulatory Perspectives Webinar,” 100 Women in Finance (March 23, 2022)
