General Counsel

Overview

This role serves as the organization’s General Counsel, providing strategic legal guidance to executive management and the Board of Directors. The position oversees legal, litigation, and corporate governance matters that affect the organization, while partnering with senior leadership to support business initiatives and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state banking regulations (including NCUA, FDIC, CFPB, NYDFS, and consumer protection requirements).

Responsibilities

• Advise executive leadership and the Board on legal and regulatory matters affecting the credit union and banking operations.
• Interpret and monitor federal and state laws, regulations, and industry guidance.
• Coordinate with Board legal counsel to deliver monthly updates to the Directors.
• Prepare and review board resolutions, corporate documents, and governance policies.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements and bylaws.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and approve vendor agreements, technology contracts, loan participation agreements, and strategic partnerships.
• Advise on mergers, acquisitions, branch transactions, and other strategic initiatives.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support enterprise risk management initiatives.
• Oversee litigation, subpoenas, investigations, and claims.
• Coordinate legal strategy with outside counsel when necessary.
• Participate as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Assist with long-term strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
• Oversee legal expenditures to optimize the organization’s legal spend.
• Oversee the Legal department, including team leadership, employee relations, and management of direct reports.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the New York State Bar Association.
• 10+ years of legal experience, including significant experience within the banking, credit union, financial services, or regulated financial institution sector.
• Experience advising executive leadership and boards of directors.
• Familiarity with federal and New York banking regulations.
• Prior General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or senior financial services attorney experience.
• Experience with NCUA, FDIC, NYDFS, CFPB, BSA/AML, consumer lending, and commercial lending matters.

Work From Home Requirements

(This position can support hybrid and/or fully remote work access.)

• Internet speed of 100mbps or higher required (you can test this by going to www.speedtest.net).
• Ability to dedicate a quiet space for daily work that is free of sound interruptions.
• All equipment will be provided by the organization (computer, monitor, headset).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation with paid training
• Retirement benefits, featuring a 401(k) with a generous match plus a defined pension plan
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Professional Development with growth opportunities and a supportive learning environment
• Flexible PTO options that include vacation payout and sick time incentive payouts
• Tuition Reimbursement and School Loan Repayment plans for Full-Time employees
• Gym Reimbursement and Employee Wellness time off to support health and wellness
• Discounts on Employee Loans
• Supplemental Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Legal plan, and AFLAC plans
• Paid training

Location

Work from home; hybrid and/or fully remote work access may be available.

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an equal opportunity employer. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action (including an investigation conducted by the employer), or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)