Legal Counsel - Deposits and Retail Banking

Salary Grade 13
Job Title:  Legal Counsel - Deposits and Retail Banking

Summary: 
 We are seeking an experienced lawyer to join United Community’s dynamic Legal Solutions & Advisory Team (LSAT). This role involves providing timely and practical legal support on deposit-related matters, including powers of attorney, trusts, estates, guardianships, escrow arrangements, and corporate authority issues. The candidate will lead a team of non-lawyer legal specialists to efficiently and effectively respond to subpoenas, garnishments, and levies. Additionally, the role includes resolving deposit- and discovery-related disputes, collaborating with outside legal counsel, and working closely with other business units such as compliance, deposit operations, treasury management, project governance, training, and support to support key bank initiatives.

Job Functions:

Legal Support:

• Provide legal support on deposit-related matters, including powers of attorney, trusts, estates, guardianships, escrow arrangements, and corporate authority issues.
• Resolve deposit- and discovery-related disputes, including collaboration with outside legal counsel.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and answer general compliance questions from employees.

Team Leadership:

• Lead a team of non-lawyer legal specialists to respond to subpoenas, garnishments, and levies.
• Manage direct reports, including training, coaching, performance evaluations, annual personal performance plans, and recommending promotions, salary changes, transfers, and disciplinary actions.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Monitor regulatory developments and coordinate regulatory changes within affected lines of business.
• Ensure changes and controls are implemented to facilitate regulatory compliance.
• Provide support and assistance during continuous regulatory examination cycles.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to support key bank initiatives.
• Support the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel with institutional projects related to applicable substantive legal areas.

Special Projects:

• Support special projects as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the bar in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant legal experience (preferably in-house at a bank).

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of legal, regulatory, and practical issues related to deposit-taking.
• Leadership skills to mentor and manage a dispersed team.
• High standards of integrity and professional conduct.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Sound judgment and analytical skills, even in ambiguous situations.
• Practical, risk-based decision-making orientation.
• Collaborative and skilled at building consensus.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Adaptability to new demands and stressful situations.
• Ability to build positive relationships and provide trusted advice.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.