Chief Legal Counsel

UNIFY Financial Credit Union is one of the nation’s largest 100 credit unions with a reputation for being financially sound and growth-oriented. We’re expanding rapidly to meet the needs of a growing member base. At UNIFY, our team members work together to strive toward a common goal, “providing superior service to our members.” In doing so, we promote a culture where your ideas matter, your growth matters, and you matter. We encourage all team members to challenge and encourage themselves and their teammates to work smarter and to be more successful

Summary:

The Chief Legal Counsel (CLC) reports directly to the CEO and is responsible for leading corporate strategic and tactical legal initiatives. The CLC provides senior management with effective advice on company strategies and their implementation, manages the legal function, and obtains and oversees the work of outside counsel. The CLC is directly involved in complex business transactions in negotiating critical contracts.

Responsibilities:

Participates in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provides continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.

Serves as key lawyer/legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.

Judges the merits of major court cases filed against or on behalf of the company, works with the appropriate executive(s) to define a strategic defense and approves settlements of disputes where warranted.

Assumes ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the company conducts its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Structures and manages the company’s internal legal function and staff.

Oversees the selection, retention, management and evaluation of all outside counsel.

Advises on legal aspects of the company’s financing, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal entities.

Advise and manage complex, significant matters that cut across the legal and related areas of the Credit Union.

Keep abreast of legislative challenges that impact the industry. Ensures full compliance with UNIFY Service Standards, policies, procedures and the Bank Secrecy Act.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

J.D. degree from an accredited law school.

Ten (10) years’ experience as a practicing lawyer preferably a member of the CA Bar Association and knowledge of CA law.

Knowledge of credit union charters and/or experience with a similar financial institution

Experience managing other attorneys and supervising support staff in a corporation; experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources.

Familiarity and understanding of legislation and related credit union revenue recognition guidelines.

Experience in directing strategy and managing complex litigation cases.

Experience working on matters of corporate governance and with a board of directors.

See the UNIFY Difference!

At UNIFY, we believe that each team member is a valued contributor. Through a teamwork approach, we strive to provide a positive and rewarding workplace that helps our team succeed. UNIFY provides a work environment which promotes learning, growth, and the opportunity for team members to challenge themselves.

Competitive Compensation and Excellent Benefits Package* Includes:

Medical (PPO/HMO), Prescription, Dental (PPO/DMO), Vision, Life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Dependent and Medical Care - Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation, Sick, Personal and Holiday Pay

401(K) Plan with employer match

Education reimbursement for approved programs

UNIFY banking privileges for you and your family

*All programs subject to review and change

UNIFY is proud to be a drug-free, EOE including disability and vets. For more information on UNIFY, visit us at www.unifyfcu.com