Associate General Counsel

At Gesa, we believe in the power of our people. Coming from all walks of life, our team members’ individual stories and unique experiences are our most valuable asset. But it’s how we come together, igniting our collective compassion and commitment to empowering our communities, that makes us succeed. Because we know we go further when we go together.

Here you can join a team who is passionate about serving others, has a desire to do good, and shares a deep love of people. You can engage in meaningful work that impacts your community. You can challenge yourself and grow in your career. And, you can rest assured that your wellbeing and prosperity are our priority.

Get to know us:  About - Gesa Credit Union

The Associate General Counsel assists the EVP of Legal and Administration/General Counsel in providing legal counsel and guidance to executives, officers, and other team members regarding legal matters. The incumbent is responsible for providing legal advice related to credit union operations, contracts, real estate matters, retail customer transactions, regulatory compliance, employee relations, customer complaints, and other matters.

1. Provide professional interpretations and recommendations to executives and other credit union personnel, including written memoranda and correspondence to management and other internal clients with respect to legal issues.
2. Research and analyze legal issues, statutes, regulations, and cases and develop guidance.
3. Negotiate with outside parties, research and resolve member complaints or issues and legal disputes. As necessary, coordinate these efforts with outside counsel.
4. Anticipate, identify, communicate, and mitigate potential legal problems within the organization and developing strategies to avoid litigation and appropriately manage risk.
5. Maintain current knowledge and keep informed of industry-specific regulations and risk management strategies.
6. Maintain a working knowledge of the credit union’s written policies and procedures and other regulations.
7. Provide most, if not all, legal work and direction in support of the organization’s collection efforts.
8. Draft, negotiate, review, and advise management on agreements/contracts to minimize risks and maximize legal rights in alignment with credit union risk posture.
9. May provide guidance on engagement of vendors for new and complex services, complex business loans, and current and/or future business structures and legal entities.
10. Provide legal expertise and advice concerning consumer and business lending transactions/activities, including collections.
11. Assist the EVP of Legal and Administration/General Counsel in providing legal expertise and advice concerning HR related issues and coordinate work with outside HR counsel, as necessary.
12. Provide support and legal expertise, as needed, to the Compliance and Internal Audit functions.
13. Assess the merits of cases filed against or on behalf of the credit union and work with outside. counsel/experts to define a strategic defense and recommend credit union actions, including settlement of disputes where warranted.
14. Supervise and coordinate work performed by outside counsel.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

1. Knowledge of all aspects of the legal, regulatory, and compliance matters impacting credit unions and the financial services industry and understanding of credit union operations including, but not limited to, lending, collections, contracting, real estate, and human resources.
2. Adept at balancing legal and business risks and recommending business decisions in light of governing regulations and the goals of the credit union.
3. Collaborative, tactful, and strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff throughout the organization.
4. Significant level of diplomacy, trust and confidentiality. High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
5. Ability to foster sound relationships with other entities, companies, and/or individuals.
6. Ability to anticipate legal issues or risks and to “see around the corner.”
7. Strong organization skills.
8. Occasional travel.

1. Juris Doctorate degree from accredited law school.
2. Admitted to practice in relevant jurisdictions (WA, OR, or ID).
3. Minimum five years relevant experience, either as in-house counsel or as outside counsel, advising on financial institution consumer transactions, conducting contracts review, negotiation and drafting, handling real estate transactions, civil litigation, employee relations, and/or banking/credit union regulatory issues.

In exchange for bringing your talent to Gesa, here are a just a few of the benefits and perks we offer:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 20 days/year of Paid Time Off – Plus 10 Paid Holidays!
• 401(k) Match
• Incentive Program
• Tuition Assistance and Student Loan Repayment
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Time Off to Volunteer in the Community
• Product discounts
• Engaging Work Environment
• Rewards and Recognition Programs

$158,628.78-$237,943.18

Get wise to what’s possible with a career at Gesa. Join us!

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact the HR Department at (509) 378-3100 or hrmail@gesa.com to request an accommodation.

Gesa Credit Union reserves the right to revise or change the job description as the need arises. This job description is not all inclusive of total job responsibilities nor does it constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Selected candidate(s) must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen which includes screening for all drugs considered illegal or controlled by the State(s) in which the candidate will be performing work, as well as a credit/background check and a skills assessment.

Gesa Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Equal Employment Opportunity (gesa.com)