Legal - Associate General Counsel - Litigation Focus

TITLE: ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: VICE PRESIDENT AND DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL
DEPARTMENT: LEGAL
JOB CODE: 6523

PAY SCALE: $178,600.00 - $200,000.00 ANNUALLY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Associate General Counsel is responsible for assisting the General Counsel in implementing strategic legal initiatives throughout the Credit Union. Associate General Counsel supports the General Counsel in providing executive management with effective advice on legal strategies and their implementation and assists in managing the legal functions of the Credit Union and overseeing the work of outside counsel, including handling litigation matters on behalf of the Credit Union.

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

To advise, consult, and educate the corporate and compliance business partners on legal issues to proactively reduce all potential legal, governance, contractual and compliance risks to the Credit Union.

TASKS, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide legal counsel and guidance to business partners and management on legal, regulatory, governance, and compliance matters and issues of concern.
2. Collaborate and partner with internal departments to provide timely, accurate, and practical support for their specific needs, which may include support for one or more of the following areas: Corporate Compliance, Retail, Consumer Lending, Business Services, Investment Services, Service Operations, Fraud, Vendor Management, IT/Information Security, Facilities, Human Resources, Marketing, and Community Relations.
3. Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to credit union compliance, including federal and state consumer compliance laws and regulations.
4. Understand the Credit Union's business and stay abreast of evolving products and services.
5. Track and analyze pending and new changes in law and regulations and advise on impact to business practices as needed.
6. Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders in the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts with third parties, including vendors and business partners.
7. Oversee litigation and manage outside counsel as necessary, including tactical guidance, case   management, budgeting, and alignment with strategy.
8. Ensure comprehensive and timely handling of legal process, including subpoenas.
9. Advise on and negotiate resolution of pre-litigation disputes.
10. Prepare regular written reports for the Board of Directors, committees, and senior management advising on status of significant matters and risks.
11. Foster a positive and engaging work environment by promoting skill development, coaching for improvement and growth, inspiring others through words and actions, and embracing our mission, vision, and core values.
12. Perform other duties as assigned by relevant executive leadership and management.

PHYSICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXERTION UTILIZED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE TASK:

1. Effective oral and written communication skills required to oversee all corporate legal matters.
2. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity to skillfully operate an on-line computer terminal and other standard office equipment, such as financial calculators, personal computer, facsimile machine, and telephone.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS & RELATIONSHIPS:

1. INTERNAL: All levels of staff and management; Supervisory/Audit Committee.
2. EXTERNAL: External counsel and consultants, regulators, external auditors, and law enforcement agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the State Bar of California or the American Bar Association required.
2. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing law, preferably with a national or large regional law firm. Preference for prior financial services experience and/or experience counseling a financial institution subject to examination and oversight by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Familiarity with consumer protection law, litigation, commercial contracting, and/or employment law also preferred.
3. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS:

• Overall comprehensive legal knowledge (litigation, commercial law, employment law, and/or consumer compliance).

• Excellent judgment and analytical skills.
• Ability to anticipate legal issues or risks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong business acumen and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing other attorneys, externs, and support staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Prolonged sitting throughout the workday with occasional mobility required.
2. Corrected vision within the normal range.
3. Hearing within normal range. A device to enhance hearing will be provided if needed.
4. Occasional overnight travel as required.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Active membership and good standing status with the State Bar of California.
2. License to practice law in California via successful completion of the California Bar Examination or the California Attorney's Examination.

REV. 1/12/2024