LEGAL COUNSEL MANAGER - WATERFORD

Job Summary:

The VP Legal Counsel is responsible for all legal activities within the Bank’s Florida Region, overseeing the legal team and ensuring the region’s operations comply with applicable laws and regulations. This role provides strategic legal counsel to management and all business, operational, and administrative units in the region. The VP Legal Counsel supports the Corporation’s Legal Department, as it relates to the region, on vendor contract negotiation, major transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters, keeping management informed of relevant legal developments.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all legal matters for the Bank’s Florida operations, including research and interpretation of local and federal banking laws.

• Advise management and department heads on legal risks, policy formulation, and compliance issues.

• Conduct comprehensive legal research on specialized topics, including statutes, regulations, case law, and legal periodicals.

• Provide legal counsel on employment, compensation, benefits, training, communications, and other operational matters.
  Support internal investigations as needed.

• Advise Credit Officers on corporate and commercial financing agreements and amendments.

• Oversee residential and commercial loan closings, including drafting and negotiating loan documents.

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, partners, and clients, ensuring legal compliance.

• Manage relationships with external counsel and other legal service providers.

• Represent the Bank in real estate transactions, legislative and regulatory hearings, and related matters.

• Assist in litigation and coordinate with regulatory and independent auditors and examiners.

• Review and approve documentation for billings, probate claims, title disputes, and other legal issues.

• Support the Subpoenas & Legal Requirements Unit for matters served by law enforcement, government agencies, and courts.

• Respond to levies, writs of garnishment, and subpoenas.

• Oversee foreclosure litigation, including review of accounts recommended for foreclosure.

• Negotiate agreements for the sale of OREO property.

• Contribute to drafting and updating policies and procedures for the Corporation in the region.

• Assist in departmental budgeting and management.

• Prepare and deliver training sessions for internal clients.

• Represent the Bank in business, government, and community activities.

Independence of Judgment:

The degree of judgment is related to the identification and definition of new problems of moderate complexity and recommendation of action or decision on specialized and complex subjects of impact for important functions of the Corporation.

Impact Errors:

The impact of errors of this position could affect other department activities, as well as the Corporation’s reputation with the government entities, regulatory agencies, and the community in general. It could also affect material activities for the Bank, either from other divisions or departments, or within.

Competencies:

• Computer proficiency

• Fully Bilingual - Write, speak and comprehend English and Spanish

• Strong Analytical Skills

• Interpersonal communication skills

Initiative:

• Striving for Excellence

• Teamwork and Diversity

• Negotiation skills

• Problem solving capabilities

• Good Analytical abilities

• General Banking and Business Knowledge

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close and distance vision. While performing the duties successfully perform the essential functions of this position it is regularly required to sit; use hands, handle or feel, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Able to handle pressure and juggle multiple priorities.

Education/Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience representing financial institutions.

• Familiar with banking law, employment law and litigation concepts, practices and procedures.

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
  
• Flexible work schedule

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not indented to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified. The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporate reporting structure.

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