Senior Principal Counsel - Litigation

Discover. A brighter future.

With us, you’ll do meaningful work from Day 1. Our collaborative culture is built on three core behaviors: We Play to Win, We Get Better Every Day & We Succeed Together. And we mean it — we want you to grow and make a difference at one of the world's leading digital banking and payments companies. We value what makes you unique so that you have an opportunity to shine.

Come build your future, while being the reason millions of people find a brighter financial future with Discover.

Job Description:

Under the direction of a Director, this role is responsible for managing all aspects of routine litigation matters including fact investigation, strategy development, discovery, motion practice, mediation, settlement negotiations, trial and appeal. The Senior Principal Counsel - Litigation collaborates with in-house advisory attorneys, compliance professionals and business unit staff and management in the identification, mitigation, and prevention of litigation risk. The incumbent will manage outside counsel and others in the management of cases on Discover's behalf. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

This role may involve handling moderately complex legal matters, including providing advice, direction and support to internal business clients, including risk, compliance, risk and operations, governance, government relations, and/or provides legal advice, as applicable to role, on new initiatives, business processes, contract review and analysis, training, corrective actions, compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures, litigation risk and issues raised in governance committees.

Typically, the role is that of an individual contributor, but in some circumstances, it may functionally lead work group(s) or small teams to deliver desired work output in a direct or indirect manner. The role provides coaching as necessary to increase the effectiveness of others. Actively manages and escalates risk and customer-impacting issues within the day-to-day role to management.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee the investigation of actual or threatened allegations against the company.

• Engage in all aspects of case management, including active oversight of paralegals, developing case strategy, directing and partnering with outside counsel, reviewing all pleadings, and managing matter budgets.

• Lead key processes involved in litigation supervision, including legal holds, e-discovery and document management, litigation reporting, and witness preparation.

• Work closely with internal business partners across the organization to proactively address and resolve potential disputes while supporting business objectives.

• Coordinate with appropriate partners on remediation and corrective action as appropriate.

• Exercises prudent discretion and decision-making capabilities to provide advice, direction and support to internal business clients, including risk, compliance, governance, government relations, and/or legal advice, as applicable to role, on new initiatives, business processes, contract review and analysis, training, corrective actions, compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures, litigation risk and issues raised in governance committees.

• Identifies, assesses, communicates information to business clients related to emerging regulatory topics and best practices, and provides oversight and strategic guidance on new or proposed legal and regulatory requirements, emerging legal and regulatory risks and trends. Communicates effectively with clients, customers, leadership, committees, regulators and counterparties as applicable.

• Manages resources, if assigned, including overhead, outside counsel and other budgets to achieve Law’s financial goals. Develops and supports others by communicating, fostering respect, providing coaching and feedback, recognizing achievements, and effectively managing employee concerns.

• Continuously improves and adheres to required standards and processes to promote a risk aware culture and ensure efficient and effective risk management.

• Provides advice, counseling, and training on moderately complex legal topics which may include one or more of the following coverage areas: Regulatory, Consumer Finance Advisory, Transactional, Anti-Trust, Privacy/Security, Technology, Employment/Benefits, Litigation, Collections, Public Company, Payments, and Intellectual Property.

Minimum Qualifications

At a minimum, here’s what we need from you:

• Juris Doctorate

• 3+ years legal experience supporting consumer financial services products and services, or job related.

• Active law license in good standing

Preferred Qualifications

If we had our say, we’d also look for:

• 5+ years litigation experience, preferably supporting consumer financial services products and services.

#LI-TG1

Application Deadline:

The application window for this position is anticipated to close on Dec-24-2023. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The posting may be available past this date, but it is not guaranteed.

Compensation:

The base pay for this position generally ranges between $103,000.00 to $174,200.00. Additional incentives may be provided as part of a market competitive total compensation package. Factors, such as but not limited to, geographical location, relevant experience, education, and skill level may impact the pay for this position.

Benefits:

We also offer a range of benefits and programs based on eligibility. These benefits include:

• Paid Parental Leave

• Paid Time Off

• 401(k) Plan

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Health Savings Account

• STD, Life, LTD and AD&D

• Recognition Program

• Education Assistance

• Commuter Benefits

• Family Support Programs

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Learn more at MyDiscoverBenefits.com.

What are you waiting for? Apply today!

All Discover employees place our customers at the very center of our work. To deliver on our promises to our customers, each of us contribute every day to a culture that values compliance and risk management.

Discover is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Discover is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status. (Know Your Rights)