Overview
This role serves as the Associate General Counsel responsible for the legal oversight of the home equity investment origination process. The position supports all stages from marketing and application through closing, document recording, and servicing. Reporting to the General Counsel, the role partners closely with origination, marketing, product, and operations teams to ensure compliance with complex and evolving state and federal regulations in consumer finance.
Responsibilities
- Act as primary legal counsel for the entire homeowner origination lifecycle, including marketing, application, underwriting support, closing, document recording, and servicing.
- Provide advice on federal and state regulatory compliance related to home equity investment and consumer finance products.
- Translate regulatory requirements into practical guidance for business teams.
- Manage consumer finance compliance matters such as UDAAP, fair lending, and other consumer protection obligations.
- Review and approve product, marketing, and advertising materials before release.
- Draft, negotiate, and manage vendor, title, and escrow agreements supporting origination and closing processes.
- Advise on privacy and data security compliance, including GLBA and CCPA requirements related to consumer financial information.
- Oversee litigation, consumer complaints, and disputes, coordinating with outside counsel as necessary.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting home equity investments and residential real estate finance, updating policies, forms, and processes accordingly.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with origination, operations, marketing, and product teams to support growth while managing legal and regulatory risks.
Requirements
- Minimum 7 years of legal experience, ideally combining law firm, regulatory agency, and/or in-house experience at a loan originator or comparable consumer finance company.
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree with active bar membership in good standing in a U.S. state.
- Strong familiarity with consumer finance and residential mortgage products or closely related regulated financial products.
- Working knowledge of consumer protection requirements, including UDAAP and fair lending principles.
- Preferred experience advising on privacy and data security compliance (e.g., GLBA, CCPA).
- Experience drafting and negotiating vendor, title, escrow, or other transaction-support agreements.
- Preferred experience managing litigation, consumer complaints, or disputes.
- Sound business judgment with the ability to provide clear, actionable advice under time pressure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining legal risks in plain English to non-lawyers.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment.
- Adaptability and resilience in changing circumstances.
- Team-oriented mindset prioritizing collaboration and inclusivity.
Compensation & Benefits
- On-target earnings range from $240,000 to $300,000, inclusive of base salary and biannual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance.
- Benefits include comprehensive healthcare plans effective from the first day of employment.
- Flexible paid time off and parental leave policies.
- Monthly cell phone and internet stipend.
- Access to coworking spaces at WeWork locations.
Location
This position does not currently have direct reports but may grow into a leadership role over time.