Associate General Counsel - Commercial Real Estate Finance

Flagstar Bank • New York, NY

19d

About The Position

The Associate General Counsel is a member of the Legal Department primarily be responsible for providing broad based legal support to Flagstar Bank. In this position, is a lead partner with internal business units, as well as working with and managing other members of the Legal team. The Associate General Counsel acts as the primary resource for the business regarding review and management of complex legal affairs relating to assigned legal discipline or business lines, Commercial Lending, Consumer Compliance, Mortgage Banking, Contracts, Real Estate, Corporate Governance, Litigation, Private Banking, Employment Law. Acts as a liaison between business unit management, legal management and outside counsel regarding documentation and legal issues. Provides timely and effective legal advice regarding negotiations and documentation, managing outside counsel engaged to represent Flagstar. Has direct experience working for a practice group at a large bank and/or large law firm providing legal support to financial institutions and be familiar with current market practice and trends, applicable banking regulations and model forms and guidance issued by relevant trade associations.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• 10+ years of experience at a law firm, financial institution, bank or equivalent organization leading a range of legal matters.
• 5 years of experience managing teams.
• Member in good standing of bar of state in United States, with ability to become a member of the State Bar in the state of the assigned principal work location, through corporate affiliation or reciprocity.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements for banks, including relevant US and state banking laws.
• Excellent subject matter knowledge of assigned specialty.
• Proven analytical and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to handle projects from inception to conclusion in a timely manner.
• Easily able to multi-task, prioritize and adapt to new demands, and communicate complex ideas in an understandable manner.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Exhibits sound practical judgment.
• Solid problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Understands how concepts interrelate and able to provide the business units analysis and recommendations.
• Demonstrates a strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders by communicating clearly, engaging in proactive collaboration, and leveraging cross functional insights.
• Aligns relationship building efforts with enterprise goals to accelerate performance and drive strategic results.
• Builds trusted client relationships, whether internal or external, by identifying needs and delivering tailored solutions to enhance the overall client experience.
• Fosters or supports a positive work culture and productive work environment, displaying importance of effective relationships with customers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manages legal transactional work, including the review, negotiation and drafting of various documentation, including those related to deposit banking, lending, and general corporate matters.
• Accountable for the completion of assigned deliverables for certain groups/departments.
• Uses advanced understanding and experience to make complex judgments on largest matters.
• Oversees legal advice and counsel on large, complex, or important lines of business, transactions, and/or relationships.
• Uses in depth knowledge across multiple areas and business lines to provide strategic legal advice to Bank's Board, executive/senior management groups, as well as other directors/managers.
• Manages enterprise-level relationships with external law firms.
• Engages external counsel as necessary and assists with oversight of active engagements.
• May have approval authority of legal invoices/expenses incurred on behalf of the Bank.
• Develops legal policies/procedures for Bank.
• Manages standard legal documentation and procedures.
• Maintains relationships with internal colleagues in other departments/disciplines to proactively address issues.
• Manages lawyers in the department on transactions, advisory, and strategic assignments.
• Develops department lawyers and staff.
• Helps identify short-and long-term department staffing needs and development.
• Identifies risks and proposes alternative structures to mitigate legal risks involved in potential transactions.
• Ensures legal compliance with all documentation and processes.
• Stays abreast and educates on regulatory changes affecting the various businesses.
• Uses independent judgement and discretion to make decisions.
• Analyzes and resolves problems.
• May be responsible for talent management functions including: employment, performance evaluations, staff development/training, disciplinary actions, succession planning and ensuring all staff comply with compliance requirements.
• Performs special projects, and additional duties and responsibilities as required.
• Consistently adheres to regulatory and compliance policies and standards linked to the job as listed and complete required compliance trainings.
• Accountable to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Benefits

• Flagstar provides teammates access to a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree