Legal - VP - Deputy General Counsel

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Deputy General Counsel functions as the number two person in charge of the Legal Department.  The role is responsible for assisting the General Counsel in implementing strategic corporate legal initiatives throughout the Credit Union. Deputy General 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. The Deputy General Counsel also supervises Associate General Counsel and other staff assigned to the in-house legal function. Deputy General Counsel provides the day-to-day oversight of the in-house legal functions 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. Provide day-to-day oversight of all legal matters and functions pertaining to the organization, including those related to subject matters identified in paragraph 3 below.  
2. Provide day-to-day assistance in collaborating and partnering with internal departments to provide timely, accurate, and practical legal counsel for their specific needs, including support for:
   1. The Compliance and Enterprise Risk Departments with the interpretation and implementation of regulatory or legislative directives.
   2. Retail, Consumer Lending, Service Operations, Finance, Marketing, Information Security, Facilities, and Business Services units and Human Resources.
3. Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations applicable to the operation of a state-chartered and federally insured credit union, including laws and regulations related to corporate governance, enterprise risk management, consumer compliance, data privacy, the Bank Secrecy Act, human resources, vendor and business partner contracting and third-party risk management, payments and operations, business services, and information and physical security. 
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.
7. Supervise Associate General Counsel and such other legal department staff as may be employed.
8. Develop and maintain an understanding of the pertinent regulatory requirements and risks inherent to job responsibilities, establish, and maintain control activities that mitigate those risks consistent with the Credit Union’s risk appetite, and ensure operational integrity and compliance with applicable regulations.
9. Participate in Board. Audit, and Management committees and meetings as appropriate. 

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 ten (10) years of experience practicing law either in- house or with a law firm, preferably with a national or large regional law firm. At least four (4) years of prior financial services experience and/or 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 required.

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.

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