AVP, Legal Services

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Act as the main legal advisor for executive leadership and essential stakeholders regarding all aspects affecting credit union operations, such as consumer protection, lending, deposits, payments, privacy, vendor and third-party relationships, and governance.

• Analyze and implement federal and state laws, regulations, and NCUA guidance to proactively identify and evaluate legal and regulatory risks; provide risk-based, pragmatic advice and mitigation strategies that support sound business decisions, align with the credit union's risk appetite, and foster member-focused growth and innovation.

• Create and maintain legal playbooks, contract templates, and standardized workflows to enhance the efficiency, consistency, and scalability of legal services.

• Manage litigation, claims, and regulatory inquiries, including evaluating exposure, developing strategies, and communicating status and recommendations to leadership.

• Oversee outside counsel management, including engagement, performance evaluation, scope, and legal expenditure.

• Collaborate with third-party insurance providers to report incidents and manage responses.

• Collaborate with employment counsel to resolve employee-related issues when requested by Human Resources or Executive Management.

• May represent the credit union in arbitration and court cases, appearing in person or virtually as necessary.

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and operational agreements, including vendor, technology, FinTech, confidentiality, and professional services contracts.

• Provide legal support for third-party relationships and contract risk management in line with regulatory expectations and institutional risk tolerance.

• Offer guidance on corporate governance practices and assist with Board and committee activities, including the preparation and review of policies, resolutions, charters, and governance documentation.

• Support regulatory examinations, audits, investigations, and supervisory communications.

• Deliver regular updates to leadership and the Board regarding legal risks, regulatory developments, and emerging issues.

• Align legal advice with strategic goals, growth initiatives, and innovation.

• Monitor legal and regulatory changes and evaluate their impact on the organization.

• Collaborate with Compliance, ERM, and Internal Audit to incorporate legal risk into enterprise processes.

• Serve as a senior leader and trusted advisor to leadership and key stakeholders.

• Influence decision-making through clear and actionable legal advice.

• Provide mentorship and foster a culture of compliance and ethical behavior.

• Support advocacy initiatives and regulatory engagement efforts, including regulatory comment letters, legislative analysis, and participation in trade associations.

• Represent the organization in industry and regulatory engagements as appropriate.

• Oversee policy governance to ensure legal sufficiency and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and conduct training sessions to enhance compliance, legal, and risk awareness, as well as sound decision-making.

⛳️ Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school is required.

• An active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction with the ability to maintain good standing; eligibility to practice as in-house counsel in Texas or the ability to obtain such eligibility is required.

• A minimum of five years of progressive legal experience, including handling complex legal and regulatory matters, is required.

• At least five years of demonstrated experience providing legal counsel within a financial institution, credit union, bank, fintech, or similarly regulated environment, or at a law firm serving such clients is required.

• Strong understanding of federal and state laws governing financial institutions, including consumer protection, lending and deposit operations, payments, privacy/data security, vendor management, employment law, and corporate governance.

• Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements, including vendor, technology, professional services, and confidentiality contracts.

• Experience managing or supporting litigation, claims, regulatory inquiries, and examinations, including coordination with external counsel.

• Established ability to evaluate complex legal and regulatory matters and provide clear, practical, business-oriented guidance to the Board, executive leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Capability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable, risk-based business guidance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with executives, regulators, examiners, counsel, community members, officials, and internal stakeholders.

• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to think independently and act swiftly.

• Ability to interpret and apply legal and regulatory requirements to operational scenarios.

• Highly organized with the capability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and rapidly changing business needs.

• Skill in building trust, fostering collaboration, and partnering effectively with internal teams, external counsel, members, and key stakeholders.

• Capacity to lead initiatives, influence outcomes, and contribute to a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions in high-pressure or adverse situations, including crises or time-sensitive matters.

• Professional and pleasant appearance.

• Willingness to work flexible hours and respond to emergency situations.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.