General Counsel

WE MAKE THINGS HAPPEN AND PUSH TO CHANGE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BANK! WE SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES, HELP DREAMS COME TRUE, AND DO OUR BEST TO ENJOY EVERY DAY.

This HYBRID role requires you to work in our Richmond HQ three days per week.

Seeking a dynamic and highly skilled General Counsel to join the Blue Ridge team. As the General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in navigating the complex legal landscape of banking and fintech partnerships. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, managing legal risks, and providing strategic counsel to senior leadership. You will oversee all legal matters, including but not limited to contracts and regulatory affairs. The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in financial services law, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Join us in shaping the future of banking and fintech. This position reports to the CEO.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Legal Advisory:

• Provides expert legal advice to the CEO, executive team, and board of directors on various legal issues affecting the bank's operations, transactions, and business decisions.
• Assigns and supervises all legal matters involving the bank.
• Supervises insider trading, SEC Filings (Proxy), and political activities compliance.
• Supervises insurance coverage and claims processes.
• Interact with external legal counsel, regulatory bodies, and government agencies to represent the bank's legal interests.

Litigation Management:

• Oversee the bank's legal disputes, litigation, and claims. Collaborate with external counsel when necessary and work to resolve legal matters efficiently.
• Advise the corporation concerning transactions of business involving internal affairs, stockholders, directors, officers, and corporate relations with the public.
• Corporate Secretary, responsible for satisfying Company corporate governance requirements, including partnering with the CEO to organize the annual shareholder meeting, board and board committee meeting agendas and materials, and evaluating director and officer conflict of interest issues.

Regulatory, Risk & Compliance:

• Manage the examination process for all applicable regulatory agencies, including coordination of the annual regulatory examination process and communications with regulators.
• Stay current with relevant banking regulations, laws, and industry standards, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Program, including Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC, and Customer Identification Program compliance.
• Ensure the bank's adherence to all applicable legal requirements.
• Identify potential legal risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Contract Management:

• Review, negotiate, and draft various contracts, agreements, and legal documents related to the bank's operations, partnerships, and transactions.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to assess the impact of new regulations and industry developments and keep management apprised of new legislation and regulations regarding the institution.
• Governance and Board Support: Assist the board of directors in corporate governance matters, including regulatory compliance, disclosure obligations, and board policies.

Employee Training: When applicable, review training programs for bank employees to promote awareness of legal issues and compliance requirements.

Mergers and Acquisitions: Provide legal support for any mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, or other strategic transactions undertaken by the bank.

Intellectual Property: Manage the bank's intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school or equivalent. Active license to practice law in Virginia.
• 15 years + of legal experience with a focus on fintech, banking, and financial services.
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, financial services laws, and corporate governance.
• Knowledge of banking operations, laws, and regulations and experience in dealing with federal and state regulators required.
• Strong reputation for integrity and ability to balance business partnership with the need to exercise independent judgment and to raise potentially sensitive or contentious issues in a timely and constructive manner.
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, financial services laws, and corporate governance.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to provide strategic legal counsel to senior leadership.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to manage and mentor.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to upholding legal and regulatory compliance.

FLSA Classification: Exempt