General Counsel

General Purpose: 

Responsible for advising, acting on behalf of, and otherwise providing counsel to the Board of Directors, officials, management, and employees regarding all legal issues affecting the Credit Union.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Analyze applicable federal, state and municipal laws statutes, regulations, rules, decisions, and ordinances and their effect on the credit union and otherwise acts as the regulatory compliance officer for the credit union.
• Reviews, monitors and seeks to establish improvements to the credit union’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and minimize exposure to liability.
• Examines data to determine advisability of initiating legal proceedings on behalf of the credit union.
• Deals with complex legal issues and thinks strategically about regulatory matters. Anticipates and prepares for developing legal and regulatory issues.
• Acts as authorized representative of credit union on various transactions.
• Represents the credit union in disputes, litigation and other legal proceedings including, but not limited to debt collections, replevin, garnishment, foreclosure and bankruptcy.
• Prepares, reviews and negotiates credit union business contracts.
• Coordinates outside counsel either retained by the credit union (i.e. employment matters, complex bankruptcies) or retained by the insurer on behalf of the credit union including review of all invoices for legal services and identifying opportunities to perform work in-house on a more cost-effective basis.
• Ensures that all credit union operations adhere to best practices and proactively find creative, constructive and actionable solutions to address potential legal and regulatory issues.
• Provide legal support on complex time sensitive matters within a strong regulatory framework, including compliance with internal policies.
• Determines whether insurance coverage is available and assists with the filing of claims.
• Researches, reviews, interprets and prepares legal documents including legal briefs, in-house memoranda, opinions and other legal paperwork as needed.
• Advises the credit union on employment related matters.  Works closely with the Human Resources department and attends all new employee orientations.
• Assists the Real Estate Lending department with title issues and review of certain loan documents.
• Accepts service of process on behalf of the credit union and oversees all lawsuits to which the credit union is party (i.e. garnishments, foreclosures, document requests).  Responds to all correspondence directed to the credit union by an attorney.
• Reviews all marketing materials and new products for regulatory compliance.
• Prepares periodic reports for and responses to requests for certification and inquiries/questionnaires from federal, state and municipal agencies, suppliers, and auditors.
• Manages corporate governance, including responsibility for corporate filings, maintaining minutes of any CUSO’s (i.e., iTHINK Community Foundation, iTHINK Title Insurance, Southeast Services Organization, and First Internet Association) and providing guidance to the Board of Directors and executive management regarding the credit union’s bylaws.
• Attends all meetings of the Board of Directors and prepares a monthly status report as to legal matters.
• Builds and develops external contacts and relationships with legislators, regulators, trade groups and peer credit unions.
• Understand and describe the purpose of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti Money Laundering (AML), Office of Foreign Asset Control policy (OFAC), Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCen), NCUA Rules & Reg Part 748, and The Patriot Act. Identify the BSA Administrator and responsibilities. Complete annual BSA training. Know where to find the BSA policies, procedures, and forms.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with the iTHINK Financial Cybersecurity Phishing Standards and Guidelines for the safety and soundness of the Credit Union.  Complete on-going training as assigned to stay current with new trends.  Know where to find the Cybersecurity policies and procedures.

Education and Experience

Job requires a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.  Admission in good standing to Florida Bar; with an active attorney’s license to practice law in Florida. At least four years of experience in legal experience in a wide variety of areas of law.  This is an exempt position.

Work Environment/Physical Activities

Ability to work in fast-paced environment. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Work creates normal fatigue daily.  Work creates moderate stress during daily routine.  Job has high volume and pace of work standards requires that staff be served in the timeliest manner possible.  Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.