Associate Counsel

Title: Associate Counsel

Reports to: In-House Counsel

Supervises: None

Status: Exempt

Objective

Associate Counsel’s primary responsibility is to represent KEMBA Financial Credit Union by assisting In-House Counsel in providing legal support and guidance to various business units and senior management related to credit union activities. Associate Counsel is responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and personally following policies and procedures as defined. This position may involve delegation to associates within the Legal Department at the direction of In-House Counsel.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Represents KEMBA’s interests in litigation, transactions, collections, contracts and other business matters and opportunities ensuring that proper policies, procedures, risk mitigation activities and controls are followed. Identified gaps in compliance, policies, practices, and operating controls are reported to In-House Counsel or Senior Management
• Identifies, researches, and analyzes relevant federal, state, and local legal requirements impacting products, services, and operations
• Prepares memoranda, correspondence or other materials summarizing and applying research and analysis to credit union issues for In-House Counsel’s review. Evaluates new procedures, services and market changes which require legal review
• Monitors bankruptcy cases to ensure maximum protection of the credit union’s assets
• Follows appropriate policy and procedures for the accurate tracking and reporting of bankruptcy cases
• Recommends procedures to In-House Counsel to reduce losses
• Recommends underwriting changes to In-House Counsel and Senior Management, as needed, to reduce future bankruptcy losses
• Reviews lending and deposit documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and operational simplicity for both internal and external users
• Drafts and reviews various vendor agreements, including services, purchase, software and technology, consulting, professional services, and other agreements and makes recommendations to In-House Counsel as appropriate
• Monitors and tracks vendor contracts to ensure compliance with due diligence protocols and act as primary individual responsible for updating vendor management reporting.
• Manages Vendor Management including preparation of monthly reports; managing Quantivate (NContracts) application; and collaborating with various departments.
• Develops and maintains reports which document the significant activities of the department Interprets the reports and recommends appropriate action to In-House Counsel as needed
• Responds to Member inquiries as needed; provides professional and courteous service to members, whether staff members or natural person members
• Supports Risk Management and Lending in specialized legal matters including repossessions and foreclosures as appropriate
• Develops an understanding of credit union history, philosophy, organization, policies, and operational procedures
• Performs all duties in a manner that is fully compliant with applicable industry regulations as well as KEMBA policy and procedures
• On a self-directed basis, continues to improve individual level of competency through training and certification on established educational programs
• Relates to others beyond giving and receiving instructions:
• Works well with partners and peers
• Performs work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others
• Responds appropriately to feedback
• Performs other duties as assigned
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• 1-3 years’ experience practicing law
• Licensed attorney who is eligible to be licensed as corporate counsel in Ohio or otherwise admitted to the Ohio Bar
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Problem resolution and analytical skills and the ability to interact well with all organizational levels
• Previous leadership experience preferred or equivalent mentorship/management experience
• Prior litigation, financial services, contracts, collection, and bankruptcy experience strongly preferred
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Admission to Southern District of Ohio
• Notary Public
• Knowledge regarding various trust documents and powers of attorney
• Knowledge of probate court processes and filings
• Experience with e-filing in state and federal courts
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands listed below represent those necessary to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The employee is regularly required to sit, use their hands, reach with their arms, and communicate verbally and orally. Occasional standing, walking, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds are required. Vision requirements include close, distance vision, and focus adjustment.