Director of Legal

What You Will Do

• Regulatory Compliance in Financial Services: Ensure compliance with financial regulatory requirements in both the U.S. and India, including laws related to banking, credit unions, fintech, and data security. Stay updated on changes in regulations like Dodd-Frank, SOX, and RBI guidelines affecting conversational AI applications in banking.
• Data Privacy and Security Laws: Manage compliance with data protection and privacy laws relevant to banking and AI, like GDPR, CCPA, and India's IT laws. Develop and maintain privacy policies and procedures, particularly focusing on customer data protection in AI-driven services.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Management: Protect and manage IP assets, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights associated with AI algorithms and software. Navigate IP law complexities in the U.S. and India, focusing on technology and software in the financial sector.
• Contract Negotiation and Management: Oversee and negotiate contracts with banks, credit unions, and technology partners. Ensure agreements comply with financial regulations and IP laws, and include specific clauses relevant to AI technology, data usage, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Corporate Governance and Ethical AI Practices: Advise on corporate governance matters and ethical implications of AI in banking. Develop policies that align with ethical AI frameworks, addressing issues like algorithmic transparency and bias.
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Strategic Partnerships: Handle legal aspects of M&A, joint ventures, and partnerships, focusing on companies in the banking and AI technology space. Conduct due diligence and integrate legal compliance post-merger or partnership.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Manage litigation risks, handle legal disputes, and coordinate with external counsel. This includes disputes related to contracts, IP, and regulatory compliance.
• International Trade and Export Compliance: Address legal matters related to international trade and export controls, ensuring compliance with U.S. and Indian laws in the export of AI and software technologies.
• Employee and Labor Law Compliance: Oversee employment law matters in both the U.S. and India, including contracts, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws, particularly as they relate to technology employees.
• Cross-Border Financial Transactions and Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Manage legal aspects of cross-border financial transactions, ensuring compliance with AML regulations and other laws related to international financial transactions in the banking sector.
• Risk Management and Insurance: Develop risk management strategies related to the provision of AI services in the banking industry. Oversee the procurement and management of appropriate insurance policies.
• Stakeholder Communication and Training: Communicate legal risks and compliance requirements to stakeholders, including board members, senior management, and employees. Provide training on legal aspects of AI in banking, data security, and regulatory compliance.
• Legal Research and Advisory: Conduct ongoing legal research to stay ahead of emerging trends and legislative changes in AI, banking, and technology law. Provide strategic legal advice to support the companys growth and innovation.
• Customer Agreements and Dispute Handling: Draft and review customer agreements, especially focusing on clauses related to AI service provisions, data handling, and dispute resolution mechanisms in the banking sector.

What You Will Bring

• Strong Legal Expertise: Profound knowledge of U.S. and Indian legal systems, with a focus on areas relevant to SaaS, AI, and banking, such as intellectual property, data privacy, corporate law, and financial regulations.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Understanding of the banking and financial services industry, including the operational, regulatory, and technological challenges specific to this sector. Familiarity with the specific needs and challenges faced by banks and credit unions is crucial.
• Technical Acumen: Basic understanding of AI and SaaS technologies, especially as they relate to the banking industry. This knowledge helps in comprehending the company's products and services, leading to better legal advice and risk assessment.
• Business Insight: Ability to align legal strategies with business objectives. This includes understanding the company's business model, growth plans, and competitive landscape.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to think strategically and provide proactive legal guidance. Ability to anticipate potential legal issues and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills are essential for explaining complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders and for negotiating effectively with clients, partners, and regulators.
• Adaptability and Agility: Ability to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of tech, AI, and financial regulations. Agility in responding to new challenges and an evolving regulatory environment.
• Leadership and Team Building: Since this is the first legal hire, the ability to build and lead a legal team as the company grows is critical. This includes mentoring junior legal staff and managing external legal counsel.
• Risk Management Skills: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and managing legal risks, particularly those unique to AI in the banking sector.
• Ethical Judgment and Integrity: Strong ethical standards are crucial, especially in dealing with sensitive data and AI technologies in the banking sector.
• Cross-Cultural Competence: As the company operates in both the U.S. and India, understanding and respecting cultural differences in business practices and legal approaches is important.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, often with tight deadlines.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Building relationships with key stakeholders in the banking industry, legal community, and regulatory bodies.
• Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing learning and staying updated with the latest developments in law, technology, and the banking sector.
• Resilience and Stress Management: Capability to handle high-pressure situations and make sound decisions under stress.

Compensation

• Compensation is expected to be between $180,000 - $210,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and location.

What We Offer

• Remote First Policy
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• PTO & Holidays
• Life Insurance