General Counsel

Job Description

Our client is seeking an attorney with the skills and attributes to lead the legal team in a dynamic, cutting-edge banking environment. Professional credentials must include a minimum of 10 years of experience at a major or regional law firm or an in-house legal department of a bank or other financial institution and an impeccable academic record.

This position will provide legal support for a growing and diverse bank. Our client specializes in financial technology services, mortgage banking, commercial banking, small business lending, trust services and cash management.

Main Job Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic legal partner to the Bank’s business divisions and corporate support departments.
• Keep senior management and other personnel up to date on pertinent legal and regulatory developments, including legal risks.
• Oversee the corporate governance of the Bank, including corporate secretary responsibilities.
• Advise management on regulatory matters relating to general bank operations as well as existing and new bank products and services.
• Select, retain, manage, and evaluate all outside counsel, managing outside legal expenses to an acceptable level.
• Participate in the development of corporate policies, procedures, and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of activities across the bank.
• Supervise and advise on complex/significant litigation matters.
• Present reports and recommendations regarding legal matters.
• Provide guidance to risk and compliance personnel during regulatory examinations and audits.
• Judge the merits of major court cases filed against or on behalf of the company, work with the appropriate executive(s) to define a strategic defense and approve settlements of disputes where warranted.
• Assume responsibility for ensuring that the Bank conducts its business in compliance with FDIC and other regulators.
• Provide actionable advice and guidance to support Bank and its affiliates.
• Proactively collaborate with stakeholders across the enterprise, including compliance, financial crimes, technology, risk, operations, and other key partners.
• Draft, review, edit and assist in negotiating bank contracts, service and vendor agreements, confidentiality agreements, employment agreements, loan documents, real estate leases and as needed, other agreements.
• Manage and mitigate legal risks.
• Assist Chief Compliance Officer with management of regulatory risk, liaison with FRB & ASBD.
• Work with Compliance Department to support and assist in their review and approval of marketing materials, to interpret regulatory laws, rules, and guidelines, and support, as needed, a robust compliance management program.

Education & Experience:

• Hold a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from a recognized U.S. university.
• Admitted to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 10+ years (minimum) of legal experience, either with a recognized U.S. law firm or in-house with a financial institution.
• A broad-based skill set, including exposure to corporate governance and public company representation is a plus.
• Applicable knowledge of banking and financial services industry and applicable regulations.

Key Competencies: 

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced team environment.
• Must be able and willing to think “outside the box”.
• Strategic mindset with strong critical thinking skills.
• Desire to be in the forefront of the Fintech capital markets.
• Possess the ability to anticipate legal/risk issues and guide accordingly, including seek creative, innovative solutions for complex business matters.
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a broad range of legal and general business matters.
• Embrace teamwork and contribute to a supportive inclusive work environment.
• A strong leader who has the ability to manage an internal team as well as coordinate the work of external counsel.
• Excellent work ethic and the ability to persevere through time sensitive transaction cycles and meet deadlines.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent judgement, analytical skills and decision making.
• Possess outstanding oral and written communication and research skills with ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management.
• Independent self-starter.