General Counsel

First Interstate•Bend, OR

1d•$330,000 - $550,000

About The Position

The General Counsel serves as the bank’s chief legal officer, providing strategic legal guidance on legal matters and ensuring the institution complies with federal and state banking laws while supporting safe, sound, and ethical banking practices. The role advises executive management, the Holding Company’s and Bank’s Boards of Directors, and board committees, and serves as Corporate Secretary to both boards. The position leads legal advice and oversight across the Holding Company, Bank, affiliates, and subsidiaries; manages company-wide litigation and outside counsel relationships; oversees government relations and internal investigations; and works with Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit on regulatory and compliance matters. The General Counsel also leads a team of legal professionals and performs personnel-management duties. The role may be located in Billings, Montana; Boise, Idaho; Bend, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; or Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with travel as needed.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
At least 10 years of in-house or law firm legal practice experience advising financial institutions.
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction upon hire.
Active license to practice law in the state where the individual’s office is located within 180 days.
Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice at a senior level.
Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Specialized knowledge of laws impacting the banking industry.
Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
Excellent judgment, integrity, and discretion.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and high-risk issues.
Proven leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

At least 10 years of experience advising financial institutions on federal and state regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary legal advisor on federal, state, and local legal issues affecting the Company, its affiliates, and subsidiaries.
Serve as Corporate Secretary to the Holding Company and Bank Boards of Directors.
Advise the Company, directors, and senior leaders on governance best practices.
Oversee legal advice to the Holding Company and Bank.
Manage Company-wide litigation consistent with the Company’s risk appetite.
Manage outside counsel relationships and monitor legal costs.
Develop proactive initiatives to enhance legal and regulatory compliance.
Oversee the Company’s government relations function.
Oversee preparation of board books, resolutions, and minutes.
Monitor and interpret changes in applicable federal, state, and local law.
Oversee internal investigations involving legal or ethical matters.
Partner with Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit to maintain a strong compliance framework.
Partner with Risk in responding to regulatory exams, findings, and enforcement actions.
Serve as the Company’s Insider Trading Officer and Ethics Officer.
Reinforce a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and accountability.
Lead a team of legal professionals.
Perform personnel actions, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and interviewing candidates for employment.