Corporate Counsel

German American Bank•Whitehall, OH

46d

About The Position

The Corporate Counsel serves as a trusted legal advisor to the Bank, providing practical, business-focused guidance across banking, regulatory, and operational matters. The role partners with business leaders to identify legal risks, interpret applicable laws and regulations, and develop solutions that support strategic objectives while maintaining regulatory compliance. The Corporate Counsel manages a diverse portfolio of legal matters, including litigation support, subpoena response, contract review, banking operations, vendor agreements, and regulatory issues. The position works collaboratively across the organization and with outside counsel to protect the Bank’s interests while enabling sound business decisions.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active license and good standing to practice law in Indiana, Kentucky, or Ohio; if not licensed in Indiana, ability and willingness to become licensed in Indiana within two years.
Minimum five years of progressively responsible legal experience.
Experience in banking law, commercial litigation, financial services, or regulatory compliance.
Experience advising business clients on complex legal matters.
Advanced legal research, analytical, and judgment capabilities.
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships within and across operational functions and business groups at all levels of the organization.
Effective organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Ability to work effectively in a complex, highly collaborative environment.
Ability to build relationships with leaders and team members in a geographically dispersed team environment.
Ability to work independently during ambiguity and change.
Experience working with changing priorities and deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Litigation experience.

Responsibilities

Support the management of litigation and coordinate activities with outside counsel.
Assist with litigation strategy and legal risk assessments.
Analyze and respond to legal correspondence, including attorney demand letters.
Handle complex and sensitive subpoenas served on the Bank, including legal analysis, response strategy, objections and negotiations, and coordination of required documentation.
Oversee outsourced legal service providers supporting subpoena administration.
Provide legal guidance related to banking operations, deposit accounts, payments, treasury management, lending, and other operational functions.
Research legal and regulatory issues affecting products, services, and operations.
Monitor legal and regulatory developments and communicate emerging trends and risks.
Review, analyze, and draft customer agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and other commercial agreements.
Ensure disclosures and other legal documents appropriately balance regulatory compliance and business objectives.
Partner with Risk Management, Compliance, Information Security, Internal Audit, and business leaders to identify and mitigate risks.
Assist with development and maintenance of policies and procedures.
Provide counsel regarding new products, digital banking initiatives, artificial intelligence, and privacy matters.
Identify opportunities to improve legal processes and operational efficiencies.
Participate in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
25 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
Educational assistance program.
Wellness benefits.
Life event coverage.
Paid parental bonding leave.
Service awards.
Financial benefits including a 401(k) match and stock purchase plan.
National and local discounts on computers, vacations, phones, and retail shopping.
Logo wear discounts.
Free checking account, checks, and discounted bank services.