Corporate Counsel - Banking and Regulatory

Position Title: Corporate Counsel – Banking and Regulatory

Position Summary:

The Corporate Counsel – Banking and Regulatory position is an individual contributor role and will report to the Vice President, Associate General Counsel. In this role, Counsel will provide legal expertise and serve as a trusted advisor to all levels of personnel at TDECU. Counsel will have (1) experience representing financial institutions either in private practice or in an in-house role; (2) strong working knowledge of the state and federal regulatory framework within which financial institutions operate; (3) experience working on wide variety of legal matters involving banking services and products; and (4) experience developing policies and procedures. Counsel will be expected to acquire an intimate understanding of TDECU’s organizational dynamics and business operations, build positive client relationships with diplomacy, have sound independent judgment and business acumen, and provide insightful, timely counsel to a wide range of business partners on a broad range of legal and business matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Work closely with other departments to proactively identify and mitigate potential legal risks. Assist in developing and implementing compliance programs, polices and procedures to ensure that the organization adheres to legal standards. Assist in conducting compliance audits and monitoring ongoing compliance. Responsibility and accountability for reporting obligations to various government agencies. Perform research, provide proactive advice and support the development of new banking services and products. Identify legal risks with and provide proactive guidance on credit union operations, including lending practices, deposit services, and member communications.   Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting the credit union industry and provide proactive guidance on necessary operational adjustments. Provide training and guidance to credit union employees on legal issues, compliance, and risk mitigation.   Maintain a strong understanding of banking products, services, operations, and regulatory requirements. Assist with due diligence, document preparation, and integration planning for M&A. Advise on legal issues affecting deposit and savings accounts including powers of attorney, decedent accounts, garnishments, receiverships, and other legal process. Assist in developing legal strategies to support business growth, new market entries, expansion, and other innovative banking solutions.  

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

JD from an accredited law school.

Licensure / Certifications:

Admission to at least one U.S. state bar.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience representing financial institutions either in private practice or in an in-house role.
• Prior in-house experience preferred.
• Exposure to a wide range of legal issues and disciplines, ideally in a fast-paced, high-growth financial institution or other financial services company is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Unquestioned integrity and excellent judgment.
• More than just a legal expert; must be a strategic thinker with a strong desire to explore new ideas, drive innovation and challenge the conventional way of doing things.
• Familiarity with banking regulations across multiple states.
• Strong organizational skills and work ethic, with ability to handle numerous matters simultaneously, prioritizing and effectively managing time.
• Fast learner who thrives in a high-demand environment; works well under pressure.
• Ability to handle conflicts with diplomacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to convey complicated advice and information in an understandable and engaging manner.
• Executive presence with ability to inspire confidence and gain the trust of senior leaders.
• Strong emotional intelligence.
• Capable of working successfully as a leader, an individual contributor, and on teams including diverse sets of personalities and skill levels.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively across functions in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-pressure environment.
• A business-focused, creative problem solver who is open to new ideas and new approaches.
• Willingness to continually learn and stay current on trends in the financial services industry.
• Expert level knowledge of relevant software including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Westlaw and Practical Law.  

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee would frequently be required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Disclaimer:

Texas Dow Employees Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex or gender (including gender identity, gender expression, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (over 40), genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, sexual orientation, political activity or affiliation and/or any other protected classes or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.