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If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals dedicated to service, we invite you to apply online today.
This position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to balance in-office collaboration with the benefits of remote work. We provide the necessary tools and technology to ensure seamless productivity, whether you're working from home or the office.
SUMMARYUnder the general direction of the Director, Assistant General Counsel, this position will assist in the responsibility of handling legal matters affecting the business of Georgia’s Own Credit Union (Georgia’s Own). General duties include the preparation, review and negotiation of legal documents, as well as communicating the law and legal concepts as they relate to, human resources, financial services, credit and lending, sales and marketing, and general business matters affecting Georgia’s Own. Corporate Counsel will also provide legal counsel for certain litigation, contracts, products, operations, regulation and other related functions.
With an integral role within Georgia’s Own Enterprise Risk Management Department (ERM), Corporate Counsel will work with the VP, Compliance regarding regulatory compliance developments and specific issues affecting the Credit Union’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulation and statutes (e.g., Georgia’s Department of Banking & Finance (GADB&F), National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Financial Institution Examination Council (FFIEC), etc.).
Corporate Counsel will monitor and oversee court-ordered garnishments, levies, subpoeanas, and other related matters affecting member accounts. Additionally, this position will work closely with the Chief of Staff and/or their designee regarding employment-related matters; VP, ERM for vendor management, business continuity, disaster recovery, information security, and incident management duties/responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
At the direction of the Director, Assistant General Counsel, the key duties and responsibilities include the following:
Responsible for review, negotiation, tracking and centralization of all contracts and legal agreements entered into on behalf of the Credit Union.
Coordinate and report on activities involving the Credit Union’s legal resources (internal and external) and ensure turnaround commitments are met to business units and Strategy Team stakeholders.
Maintain a working knowledge of the Credit Union’s written policies and procedures and other regulations.
Monitor, review, evaluate and communicate to stakeholders’ changes in the legal landscape affecting Georgia’s Own’s operations.
Address day-to-day legal issues as needed by various business units throughout the Credit Union, including but not limited to employment law, contract law, privacy, etc.
Conduct legal research and writing, regulatory interpretation and application, and critical thinking when advising on various legal matters.
Ensuring timely response to all garnishments, levies, and request for production of documents/subpoenas. Reviewing Legal Assistants submissions to ensure they are accurate and compliant.
Ensure timely communication/action to regulatory agency and/or law enforcement on issues pertaining to the credit union as assigned.
As events warrant, represent Georgia’s Own in small claims court and creditor meetings.
Maintain a working knowledge of applicable areas of the statutory rules and regulations set forth by the GADB&F, NCUA, CFPB, and FFIEC, as well as the internal policies procedures and processes to demonstrate compliance.
Working with the respective Enterprise Risk Management Department officers on regulatory compliance, security and fraud developments, advise business unit leaders on application and interpretation of laws, rules, regulations, statutes and policies.
Organize and provide training to staff, management and officials with respect to ongoing legal developments and issues facing the Credit Union.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE including Certificates, Licenses and Registrations.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college is required.
Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
3-5 years of experience is required.
Must be licensed with the State Bar of Georgia, or complete the licensing requirements within a negotiated timeline.
Experience in legal and regulatory compliance within the financial services industry, or a governing regulatory agency (e.g., NCUA, CFPB, FDIC, OCC, state regulatory agencies, etc.) is preferred.
Equivalent certifications and/or licenses such as CUCE (CUNA Credit Union Compliance Expert) or FRM (Financial Risk Manager) are desired, but not required.
Position requires professionalism to interact with and advise senior executives of Georgia’s Own, as well as lead and/or participate as a leader among other managers within the ERM Department and throughout the Credit Union.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision and to take initiative in problem solving.
Exceptional legal research skills.
OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES
Requires the individual to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents and the ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquires or complaints.
Requires the ability to write communications effectively.
Must have the ability to make effective and legally sound pronouncements on complex topics to top management, board of directors, committee members and public groups.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. All employees must be able to communicate face to face or through technology with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee will be in an office environment (well-lighted, heated, and air-conditioned) typically stationed at a desk or table. Employee will be asked to sit and stand for various increments of time, and to lift/push up 10 lbs. Clerical office duties on various forms of technology are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
All positions that have lending responsibilities must comply with all requirements under the SAFE ACT, as well as the Credit Union’s policies and procedures related to the SAFE ACT. This includes an obligation on the employee’s part to ensure that NMLA registration pertaining to the SAFE ACT is kept current. The employee must notify the Credit Union within 30 days of any changes that need to be reflected on the NMLS registry.
Georgia’s Own Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with obligations under federal law, every company that is a federal contractor or subcontractor is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance women, minorities, disabled veterans, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.
