JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Counsel is a member of the Legal Department and primarily responsible for providing legal support to Flagstar Bank. Partners with internal business units, as well as working with other members of the Legal team.

Acts as the primary resource for the business regarding review and management of legal matters relating to structured finance / securitization, commercial lending, whole loan trading and residential mortgage finance transactions. Acts as a liaison between business unit management, legal management and outside counsel regarding documentation and legal issues. Provides timely and effective legal advice regarding negotiations and documentation, managing outside counsel engaged to represent Flagstar. Has direct experience working in-house at a financial institution and/or at a large law firm providing legal support to financial institutions in the structured finance space. Is multi-faceted with a solid understanding of residential whole loan origination and trading, warehouse finance, structured finance and securitization, commercial lending and capital markets transactions generally. Familiar with current market practices and trends, applicable banking regulations, securities laws and events impacting the large banking sector. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently review and draft transactional and other documentation relevant in structured finance and commercial lending, including term sheets, loan agreements, mortgage loan purchase and sale agreements, engagement letters, marketing materials and offering documents, default notices, opinions and non-disclosure agreements.

• Provide ad hoc legal support to senior members of three business lines: Community and Corporate Banking, Residential Mortgage Banking and Commercial Real Estate Lending.

• Review policies and procedures relating to the business lines above.

• Participate in firmwide projects requiring Legal's input (e.g., transition from LIBOR to SOFR).

• As a subject matter expert, keep apprised of regulatory and market developments that impact the structured finance space (e.g., Regulation AB, Basel III Endgame, Volcker Rule, etc.).

• Engage and actively manage outside counsel with a view to reducing legal spend and mitigating potential conflicts while providing “best in class” legal support for the business.

• Manage, train and coach paralegals who support the business lines above.

• Periodically train the business and others in Legal with respect to bank products and regulatory developments.

• Uses independent judgment and discretion to make decisions and become a thought leader in the Legal Department.

• Critically analyzes and resolves legal problems pertaining to structured finance / commercial lending business units and the bank’s challenges and strategic initiatives generally.

ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Performs special projects, and additional duties and responsibilities as required.

• Consistently adheres to regulatory and compliance policies and standards linked to the job as listed and completes required compliance trainings. Accountable to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

• Minimum experience required: 5 Years at a reputable law firm in the structured finance space or relevant experience in-house at a bank or other financial institution.

Pay Range: $117,000 - 232,000