What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Chief Counsel - Litigation - Legal position at WesBanco Bank, Inc.?
SUMMARY:
The Assistant Chief Counsel – Litigation will lead WesBanco’s litigation function and serve as a senior legal advisor to the business. Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, this role owns litigation strategy, oversees outside counsel, manages spend, and helps shape how the bank proactively identifies and mitigates litigation risk.
This position blends hands‑on legal work with leadership, strategy, and process improvement in a growing in‑house legal department. This role functions as the deputy‑level lead for all litigation matters across the bank.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Owns WesBanco’s litigation strategy from intake through resolution, including decisions about when to defend or settle, and selection and supervision of outside counsel.
Serves in a key advisory role, managing and advising on legal developments affecting all aspects of WesBanco’s operations, including those arising in Credit Administration and Special Assets.
Translates litigation and regulatory developments into practical guidance.
Anticipates and advises on forward-looking trends that could create litigation and compliance risk and advise WesBanco Legal and the business on mitigation strategies.
Provides high-quality legal advice and serves as a trusted strategic partner in a manner that advances the WesBanco’s business strategies while addressing legal risks and protecting WesBanco’s integrity and reputation.
Identifies and assesses legal risk, balance stakeholder interests, and translate complex issues into clear, actionable advice.
Assists with reporting to the WesBanco Risk Management Department regarding Legal KRIs and emerging and current risks in the legal space.
Performs internal investigations and oversee external investigations, including the design and crafting of position statements in response to administrative charges of employment discrimination as well as other inquiries from governmental and regulatory authorities.
Partners with senior management and key stakeholders to understand business goals, translate legal risks to easy-to-understand concepts, and establish full alignment around legal processes and procedures that support growth.
Reviews and reports on legal litigation spend, including identifying trends, cost drivers, and opportunities for efficiency.
Serves and contributes as a member of incident response teams and management of security and/or privacy incidents internally and external counsel, if necessary.
Reduces potential areas of risk and avoid costly litigation by identifying and decreasing legal risks and implementing strategies.
Oversees service of process as concerns litigation, inclusive of writs, garnishments, levies and the like including teams handling such matters.
Oversees hold notice process in the event of anticipated or actual legal claims.
Serves as a liaison between WesBanco Legal and Finance as concerns accruals, provisions and reserves with respect to relevant litigation.
Assists the Chief Counsel with respect to internal and external reporting requirements on active, anticipated and settled litigation.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Banking is a highly regulated industry and you will be expected to acquire and maintain a proficiency in the Bank's policies and procedures, and adhere to all laws, rules and regulations that are applicable to your conduct and the work you will be performing. You will also be expected to complete all assigned compliance training in a timely manner.
Proficiency in the Bank's policies and procedures, and adherence to all laws, rules and regulations that are applicable to the work you will be performing.
Complete all assigned compliance training in a timely manner.
Strong understanding of corporate law, contract law, compliance and banking regulations.
Exceptional communication, negotiation and drafting skills.
Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues across various departments.
Adept at simplifying complex legal issues for non-legal audiences.
Proficiency in using legal databases and technology.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required.
Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar required.
Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience, previous in-house experience at a financial institution is preferred.
Proven track record of managing high-performing legal teams and overseeing complex, multi-jurisdictional matters required.