Associate General Counsel - Commercial Real Estate and Investment Banking (Hybrid)

Provide counsel and advice on complex legal matters affecting the organization, and work with representatives from various business lines and support units. Execute strategic direction, policies and guidelines for the Bank’s Legal division and may represent the Bank with industry associations, government and regulatory bodies.

• Serve as legal and transactional support for Commercial Real Estate (CRE) business segment leadership.

• Provide legal advice and guidance to clients/senior managers on commercial real estate (CRE) financing matters, including construction and syndicated lending, and on- and off-balance sheet financing structures.

• Perform a variety of complex or specialized legal activities to protect the organization and help ensure it complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

• Provide legal advice within area of expertise to relevant managers to ensure their activities, policies, business practices, and transactions comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

• Make recommendations to senior management on how to respond to legal issues or proposed changes in laws and regulations.

• Review and approve legal contracts, letters of agreement, and other documents related to a variety of trade, commercial, financial, and operational matters to protect the organization's legal and business interests.

• Partner with Compliance, Risk and Audit groups on supported divisional/departmental matters, as appropriate.

• Develop and implement streamlined and strategic policies and procedures for the legal support of supported division/department(s).

• Prepare or review more complex materials for external legal counsel.

• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management. 

This position is responsible for providing analysis and counsel on complex legal issues for departments supported.
Incumbent should be able to anticipate and guard against legal risks facing M&T, develop and recommend corporate policy and positions on legal issues and conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues. This is a senior level position that requires interaction with senior and executive management on a regular basis.

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• Minimum of 7 years' experience as an attorney or other relevant legal experience.

• Experience working as an attorney with a law firm and/or as in-house counsel.

• Deep knowledge of Commercial Real Estate Financing structures, including construction lending and syndicated loan facilities

• Significant experience in representing financial institutions on commercial real estate financing initiatives and transactions.

• Minimum of 5 years' work leadership experience

• New York State or applicable state bar admission.

• Ability to identify legal issues, evaluate legal risks, and offer solutions.

• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, organizational skills.

• Excellent writing, analytical and verbal skills.

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Investment Banking / broker-dealer experience, or willingness to learn these areas, is highly preferred.

• Experience with real estate capital markets and mortgage repurchase transactions is preferred.