Assistant General Counsel

Overview

The Assistant General applies and interprets federal and state regulations regarding credit unions and consumer financial services and serves as a resource and subject matter expert to the Credit Union in these areas; provides effective and practical advice on legal issues regarding regulations, policies, procedures, disclosures, and operations. Must have a thorough understanding of the operational environment and transactional issues relevant to financial institutions. Reviews vendor contracts. May provide coordination and oversight of the work of outside counsel.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Provide day-to-day legal support and advice to branches and operations, including with respect to legal documentation and disclosures, credit union policies and procedures, and risk mitigation
• Provide legal advice to business units and recommend changes or improvements, when needed, to processes, procedures, and controls
• Support business unit projects, including core conversion
• Provide counsel and guidance on vendor engagements, including review and drafting of vendor agreements, and provide recommendations to mitigate risk and monitoring and improve service levels
• Draft and review consumer disclosures to ensure compliance with applicable law and protection of credit union and its membership
• Work collaboratively with operations risk, cybersecurity, and compliance to ensure alignment with Enterprise Risk Management System
• Proactively identify areas of need and make recommendations and proposals
• Assist, when needed, with inquiries from regulators and responses to exam findings

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of financial services industry and regulatory landscape
• Excellent analytical and oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex issues and regulations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across different teams
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding financial services and credit unions
• Strong drafting and advising skills related to vendor agreements
• Capable of quickly identifying and resolving issues, including balancing legal and business risks, and giving clear and concise advice
• Enterprise thinker capable of connecting strategic initiatives and projects in performance of legal risk duties

Qualifications

• JD from ABA accredited law school
• Member in good standing of Oregon State bar (or ability to obtain Oregon state licensing through reciprocity or in-house counsel status)
• 5 years of legal experience at a law firm representing financial institutions, financial institution legal department, or federal financial regulatory agency
• Compliance certification (CRCM, CIPP, CAMS, CISSP) a plus