General Counsel

The General Counsel is responsible for leading and overseeing the legal function at the credit union including managing external resources, board governance, government relations, contact reviews, managing primary, day-to-day legal resource for the credit union’s in-house clients including the credit union’s wholly-owned subsidiary, vendor management and corporate properties. Advises business-unit leaders in identifying and resolving critical business challenges affecting the credit union while maximizing business opportunities and managing legal and non-legal risks to the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leads all legal functions and for the credit union’s in-house clients including the credit union’s wholly-owned subsidiary. Understands the legal structure of the credit union and can ensure that all subsidiaries within the CUSO including insurance services, wealth management are operating effectively within legal and regulatory constraints.

Manages all board governance including policy development, board meeting minutes and documentation.

Develops legal documents, provides counsel, and presents clear recommendations in light of regulatory requirements and state and federal laws.

Identifies risks to the organization and assesses potential liability. Works cooperatively with management to develop action plans consistent with the organization’s business goals and established risk tolerance thresholds.

Leads government relations function for the credit union and works with CUNA and other advocacy groups in support of credit union structure both regionally and nationally.

Investigates, responds, and tracks threatened, and active litigation and complaints received from consumers and various governmental and consumer-driven outlets.

Manages relationships with outside legal counsel including oversight of strategic projects and litigation. Monitors ongoing external legal expenses within budget.

Reviews and negotiates key corporate contracts, merger documents, leases and other agreements providing recommendations to ensure achievement of internal business goals, minimizing risk, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Provides continuous oversight and due diligence on all corporate insurance policies. Reviews policies on a regular basis, understands key aspects of all policies and ensures the credit union has coverage to mitigate risks.

Maintains records of legal matters and vendor contracts including implementation and maintenance of a contract management system.

Responsible for legal aspects of all mergers, acquisitions, and all related due diligence processes.

Works with credit union leadership, subsidiaries, and the corporate properties team to develop and implement facility plans and best practices with an emphasis on efficient business operations that supports the strategic plan of the organization. Oversees development of key strategies to effectively manage our corporate properties and leases.

Recruits, hires and trains a team of employees to ensure each reaches desired objectives and receives ongoing mentoring and career development opportunities.

Manage the development, testing and implementation of business continuity plans and ensure all plans and procedures are current and address key risks.

Collaborates with other credit union departments/functions to ensure that functional workflow and processes provide the best service to members.

Promotes honest and open communication throughout the credit union.

Demonstrates behaviors that are consistent with the credit union’s values, philosophies, and leadership characteristics.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree preferably in business administration, finance, technology, or a related field

Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school

Member in good standing of the Kansas and Missouri state bars

Ten (10) years’ legal experience with at least five (5) years in senior management at a financial services institution

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent legal and analytical abilities with good business judgment are essential.

Strong knowledge of corporate legal matters with a preference for legal experience in the financial services, technology and credit union industries.

Excellent interpersonal skills including strong verbal and written communications.

Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Proven success in managing and working with outside vendors including law firms, properties-related vendors and business consulting firms.

Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of professionals.

Knowledge of corporate law, concepts, and practices, as well as strong negotiation skills.

Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to work as a member of a team. Ability to resolve interpersonal conflict and miscommunications.

Ability to interact with all levels of management as well as other internal clients.

Must be able to be bonded.

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Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Disabled/Veterans