Legal - Associate General Counsel

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:Counsel is responsible for assisting the General Counsel in implementing strategic corporate legal initiatives throughout the Credit Union. Counsel supports the General Counsel in providing executive management with effective advice on legal strategies and their implementation, assists in managing the legal functions of the Credit Union, assists in advising regarding corporate governance matters, and assists with overseeing the work of outside counsel, including handling litigation matters on behalf of the Credit Union.

PURPOSE STATEMENT:To advise, consult, and educate the corporate and compliance business partners on legal issues to proactively reduce all potential legal, governance and compliance exposure to the Credit Union in collaboration with the General Counsel.

TASKS, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in overseeing corporate legal matters pertaining to the organization including corporate, compliance, regulatory, governance, and intellectual property matters.
2. Assist in collaborating and partnering with internal departments to provide timely, accurate, and practical legal counsel for their specific needs, including support for:
   • The Compliance Department with the interpretation and implementation of regulatory or legislative directives.
   • Retail, Consumer Lending, and Business Services units.
3. Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to credit union compliance, including federal and state consumer compliance laws and regulations.
4. Foster a positive and engaging work environment by promoting skill development, coaching for improvement and growth, inspiring others through your words and actions, ensuring positive employee morale throughout Golden 1, and embracing our mission, vision, and core values.
5. Keep apprised of changes in law and regulations for corporate matters and adapt business practices as needed.
6. Assist in the supervision and monitoring of work performed by outside counsel, including litigation.

PHYSICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXERTION UTILIZED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE TASKS:

1. Effective oral and written communication skills required to oversee all corporate legal matters.
2. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity to skillfully operate an on-line computer terminal and other standard office equipment, such as financial calculators, personal computer, facsimile machine and telephone.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS & RELATIONSHIPS:

1. INTERNAL: All levels of staff and management.
2. EXTERNAL: External counsel and consultants, regulators, external auditors, and law enforcement agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the State Bar of California or the American Bar Association required.
2. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing corporate law either in-house or with a law firm, preferably with a national or large regional law firm. Preference for prior financial services experience and experience counseling a financial institution subject to examination and oversight by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Prior experience advising clients on consumer compliance matters is also preferred.
3. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
   • Overall comprehensive legal knowledge (labor law, marketing/advertising law, litigation, corporate law).
   • Excellent judgment and analytical skills.
   • Ability to anticipate legal issues or risks.
   • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to adapt to changing priorities.
   • Strong business acumen and interpersonal skills.
   • Experience managing other attorneys, externs, and support staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Prolonged sitting throughout the workday with occasional mobility required.
2. Corrected vision within the normal range.
3. Hearing within normal range. A device to enhance hearing will be provided if needed.
4. Occasional overnight travel as required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Active membership and good standing status with the State Bar of California.
2. License to practice law in California via successful completion of the California Bar Examination or the California Attorney’s Examination.