General Counsel

Lake Michigan Credit Union • Grand Rapids, MI

7d • Onsite

About The Position

LMCU is looking for General Counsel who will oversee the Credit Union’s legal function with the objective of protecting the Credit Union’s interests. Determines and directs legal matters relating to the Credit Union’s full-service operations. Sets legal procedures, and strategy. Ensures that practices, policies, and business activities follow the Credit Union’s legal policies and guidelines, as well as interface with the Credit Union’s mission statement and business objectives.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant work experience, preferably with a focus on financial services, banking, or Credit Union law.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• In good standing with the Michigan and/or Florida Bar.
• Strong knowledge of laws and regulations governing Credit Unions and financial institutions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with all staff, members, outside counsel, and government regulators.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal matters and provide strategic legal advice.
• High ethical standards and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provides sound advice and counsel on legal matters or problems involving the Credit Union, including assisting Credit Union executives, line managers, and staff with respect to a broad array of Credit Union operations. Examples include preparation, review, and negotiation of contracts, matters involving account products or services including, but not limited to, Uniform Commercial Code, Trusts, Guardianship, and conservatorship documents, powers of attorney documents, garnishments, levies, subpoenas, and bankruptcies, commercial, mortgage, and consumer documents, EFTA, TILA, FCRA, UDAAP, internal investigations, and other potential disputes or litigation related to the Credit Union.
• Develops and implements the Credit Union’s legal strategy in alignment with its goals and objectives.
• Provides easily digestible, practical, and sound legal advice on a wide range of State, Federal, and regulatory issues including regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management.
• Assists all levels of management and/or the Board as requested regarding the legal environment, including but not limited to all applicable laws and regulations governing Credit Unions, federal and state banking laws, consumer protection regulations, construction lien law, mortgage servicing requirements, commercial document review, employment law, litigation, settlement, complaints, etc.
• Anticipates, identifies, assesses, and monitors legal, regulatory, and industry trends to advise on commercially reasonable solutions to ensure the execution of business objectives proceeds in a practical and risk-based manner within established risk tolerances acing the Credit Union and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Manages and resolves legal disputes, litigation, and other legal proceedings involving the Credit Union.
• Implements and maintains robust internal controls and policies to minimize legal exposure.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of contracts and agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, and real estate transactions. Ensures that all contracts comply with legal requirements and protect the Credit Union’s interests.
• Manages relationships with external legal counsel and other legal service providers, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality legal support.
• Develops and manages the legal department’s budget.
• Manages litigation and external counsel with accurate and detail-oriented consideration to budgeting, strategic planning, outside counsel cost, and expense management.
• Demonstrates sensitivity, team building, and respect for LMCU Pride Culture.
• Demonstrates teamwork by exhibiting the following: contributing to team effort, initiative, dependability, positive attitude, good attendance, tact, and diplomacy.
• Leads and manages hiring, training, and supervising legal staff.
• Manages the Credit Union’s intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Ensures the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Benefits

• All Employees: weekly pay and retirement savings options.
• Full Time Employees: comprehensive health coverage including medical (with prescription), dental, vision, HSA match, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees