Corporate Counsel & Director of Legal Operations

Horizon Farm Credit•Westminster, MD

About The Position

Horizon Farm Credit is seeking an experienced legal professional to serve as Corporate Counsel & Director of Legal Operations, reporting to the Chief Risk Officer. This position leads the Association’s internal legal function and oversees the delivery of legal services across a wide range of subject areas, including lending support, regulatory compliance, employment law, litigation management, vendor contracting, board governance, and legal operations. The successful candidate will act as the Association’s primary internal legal advisor, while also managing outside counsel relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal support aligned with Horizon Farm Credit’s strategic goals and risk appetite. This role is ideal for an experienced attorney who combines strong legal judgment with business acumen, operational discipline, and the ability to translate complex legal matters into practical, risk‑informed solutions that support organizational strategy As Corporate Counsel & Director of Legal Operations, you will provide strategic, practical, and timely legal counsel to executive leadership, business unit leaders, and the Board of Directors. You will lead and develop the legal team, oversee legal operations and outside counsel, and proactively identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks. This role requires a strong ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels—advising on high-impact matters while ensuring efficient day-to-day legal support across the Association.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required. Active license to practice law in at least one of the following states: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
Generally, a minimum of seven years of progressive legal practice, with a strong preference for experience supporting business or financial services organizations.
Experience managing or coordinating legal operations and outside counsel relationships.
Familiarity with regulated industries, commercial lending, or banking environments strongly preferred.
Regular, predictable, and reliable onsite attendance required.
Ability to travel to branch offices or other facilities as needed.
Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Strong business judgment with the ability to balance legal risk and organizational objectives.
Ability to clearly communicate complex legal concepts to non‑attorneys, executive leadership, and board members.
Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and managing competing priorities.
Knowledge of real estate law, commercial law, UCC, federal and state banking law, and consumer lending regulations.
Familiarity with litigation strategy, bankruptcy, creditor rights, and negotiated resolutions.
Polished written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proven ability to build trust-based relationships and work collaboratively across functions.
Adaptable, flexible, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the Association’s legal department, including management of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
Oversee legal operations, workflows, and service delivery to ensure timely, high-quality, and consistent legal support.
Manage relationships with outside counsel, including engagement decisions, performance evaluation, budgeting, and invoice review.
Maintain and regularly evaluate an approved outside counsel list across specialty practice areas.
Escalate material legal matters and significant risk issues to executive leadership, as appropriate.
Provide legal advice across a broad range of subject areas, including commercial lending, real estate, employment law, data privacy, litigation, regulatory compliance, vendor management, and operational risk.
Review, draft, and negotiate complex legal documents in support of lending and business operations, including loan and security documents, entity documentation, real estate instruments, easements, and related agreements.
Advise business leaders and the Compliance Officer on compliance with FCA regulations, state and federal lending laws (e.g., TILA, TRID, ECOA, RESPA), and internal policies and procedures.
Support distressed credit and Special Assets matters, including coordination with outside counsel on restructurings, foreclosures, bankruptcies, settlements, and collections.
Monitor legal and regulatory developments and advise on their impact to the Association.
Draft, review, and maintain policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.
Develop and deliver legal training and educational updates for Association staff.
Oversee records retention practices, legal holds, and document preservation related to potential claims or litigation.
Coordinate with insurers on D&O, E&O, and other liability matters and related claims.
Provide legal counsel to the Board of Directors and its committees, identifying legal risks, options, and recommendations.
Support board governance by drafting and reviewing bylaws, charters, resolutions, minutes, directives, and board policies.
Attend board and committee meetings, as requested, to provide legal analysis and guidance.
Coordinate with outside counsel on board matters when appropriate.