Counsel - Governance

Overview
First Citizens is seeking an exceptional attorney to join its Legal department as Counsel, with a focus on supporting board and corporate governance and corporate secretary responsibilities along with advising and supporting key risk and support functions including IT, Info Sec and Operations. Effective oversight and governance in line with regulatory expectations of a large bank is a critical area of support for the Firm. As part of a team, we handle and coordinate corporate secretarial and governance activities in support of Management, the Board, and its Directors while supporting the continuous improvement of legal processes and capabilities to meet evolving business needs and regulatory requirements.
The primary focus of your role as Counsel will be to provide legal advice and guidance on federal and state regulatory matters relating to board and committee governance of a large financial institution, board director duties and responsibilities, committee charters, and other corporate governance industry practices. You will work with cross functional groups and coordinate and collaborate with business and support teammates to provide support for the Board alongside compliance, risk, and operations partners.
This is a dynamic role requiring flexibility, empathy, and most importantly, a growth mindset. The right candidate will bring a curiosity and enthusiasm to working on ideas across various disciplines.
Responsibilities

• Board Support - Works directly with the Board of Directors and Board committees as well as the Corporate Secretary, Assistant Chief Legal Counsel, and Board Governance team in advising and managing board governance and corporate secretary responsibilities.
• Provides substantive assistance on bank policies, standards, and operations related to Board and governance roles. Reviews Legal Department processes and procedures, identifying and documenting areas for enhancement and efficiencies and relevant protocols and templates. Performs research and analysis on relevant issues.
• Coordinating legal support with risk, compliance, and business partners to implement practical, risk-calibrated solutions that support growth of the business.
• Supporting process improvements, operational escalations and enhancements and appropriately challenging the status quo to help build the operational infrastructure.
• Supervising outside counsel and effectively managing legal costs.
• Contributing to internal initiatives focused on a commitment to a best-in-class Legal department.

Qualifications

Law Degree and 6 years of experience in General Practice, in-house, or specific to Lending, Bank Operations, or regulation of financial institutions

• Eagerness to work on different legal matters/topics including those outside primary areas of expertise.
• Experience working in support of high-level, strategic leaders and strong attention to detail.
• J.D. and strong academic credentials.
• Active and in good standing membership to at least one state bar.

Additional Requirements:

• Work well under pressure and have a tolerance for ambiguity.
• Work independently, successfully manage multiple and varied projects simultaneously while exercising independent judgment and discretion.
• Problem solving and collaboration skills working with others in a team-first environment.
• Strong Microsoft Office capabilities and ability to implement and learn new software applications.