Director Legal Counsel

Join our team - and take the next step in achieving a fulfilling career!

What We Do

At CardWorks, we aim to help people connect with possibility and opportunity using our financial servicing expertise. Building meaningful, long-term relationships with consumers, our employees, and our clients is what matters most.

Who We Are

CardWorks Servicing, LLC provides end-to end operational servicing functions for credit cards, secured cards, and installment loans. We service consumer and small business loans across the credit spectrum and offers backup servicing and due diligence services to capital providers and trustees.

Merrick Bank is an FDIC-insured Utah Industrial Loan Bank. Merrick operates three main business lines: credit cards, recreational lending, and merchant services.

Carson Smithfield, LLC provides a variety of post-charge-off debt recovery services, including digital self-service, IVR, live agent, and external agency management.

CardWorks is looking for a Director, Legal Counsel to join our high‑performing, collaborative Legal team. In this role, you’ll partner closely with senior attorneys and colleagues across the organization to deliver practical, business‑focused legal guidance that shapes outcomes and reduces risk.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who thrives in fast‑paced environments, enjoys problem‑solving, and is motivated by work that directly supports both company objectives and consumer protection principles.

What You’ll Do

You’ll play a key role in driving our consumer litigation strategy and operational excellence, including:

• Overseeing and managing consumer litigation matters with support from senior attorneys, ensuring timely, effective resolutions.
• Researching, analyzing, and advising on consumer litigation and related legal issues.
• Monitoring and helping control litigation spend, including budgeting and cost management.
• Coordinating with outside counsel in partnership with Legal team colleagues to ensure quality and timely work.
• Reviewing and approving bankruptcy‑related filings, including proofs of claim.
• Supporting the subpoena response program and providing guidance to the paralegal team responsible for subpoena responses.
• Presenting complex legal issues and strategic recommendations in a clear, digestible way to partners across the Legal department.
• Managing multiple matters and shifting priorities in a fast‑moving environment.
• Participating in early‑resolution negotiations to minimize risk and cost.
• Interpreting and advising on consumer credit and collections laws and regulations.
• Identifying and mitigating legal risks across projects and initiatives.
• Performing other responsibilities as needed to support the Legal organization.

What You Bring

• Juris Doctor (JD) with active bar admission in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 3–5 years of legal experience, ideally including consumer credit (credit cards), payments, or financial services.
• Experience managing litigation independently or within a larger team is a plus.

What Makes You Successful

• Strong working knowledge of key consumer protection laws and regulations (FCRA, FDCPA, TCPA, UDAP).
• Demonstrated ability to manage litigation portfolios and relationships with outside counsel.
• Excellent organizational skills and comfort navigating deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Prior experience with negotiation and settlement strategies is highly valued.
• A practical, business‑minded approach to problem‑solving and risk mitigation.
• Strong analytical abilities paired with sound judgment and strategic thinking.
• Ability to interpret new or complex regulations and advise under uncertainty.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to simplify legal concepts for various audiences.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Consistent attention to detail and accuracy.

The salary range for this position, if located in NY Metro/NY State is $145,500 to $169,760. However, please note that the salary range will vary for other geographic areas.

#INDHP

Our Employee Value Proposition

• Competitive Pay, including a Bonus Target or Variable Pay Incentive Program
• Benefits Package -Medical, Dental, and Vision (plus much more)
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Programs
• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days and bank Holidays
• Employee Engagement Activities including Employee Appreciation Day, DEI Employee Resource Groups, Corporate Social Responsibility, Service Recognition

We offer a total rewards package comprised of a competitive base rate of pay, variable pay incentive programs based on the role, and a comprehensive benefit suite. Offered rates of pay are determined based on job-related knowledge, relevant experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. We will conduct a thorough background check for all hires in compliance with applicable.