General Counsel

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. #J-18808-Ljbffr