General Counsel

Horizon Bank Texas • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As General Counsel, you will serve as the Bank's chief legal advisor and a key member of the senior leadership team. This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to establish and lead the Bank's in-house legal function, providing strategic counsel on a broad range of legal, regulatory, governance, and business matters while supporting the organization's continued growth. Reporting directly to our Chief Executive Officer, you will partner closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to manage legal risk, support corporate governance, oversee complex transactions, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The successful candidate will combine sound legal judgment with a practical, business-minded approach and the ability to build trusted relationships across the organization. This full-time, in-person position is based in our downtown Austin office (600 West 5th Street). If you're an experienced attorney who enjoys solving complex business challenges, influencing strategic decisions, and building a legal function that supports long-term organizational success, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• 10+ years of progressive legal experience, including significant experience advising financial institutions or organizations in highly regulated industries; or the equivalent combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job duties of this position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of banking laws and regulations, corporate governance, commercial transactions, contract negotiation, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience advising executive leadership and Boards of Directors on complex legal, governance, and business matters.
• Proven ability to identify and manage legal and regulatory risk while balancing business objectives.
• Experience managing outside legal counsel, litigation, and other external legal service providers.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound independent judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience serving as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or Senior Counsel for a financial institution.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, regulatory examinations, or other strategic banking initiatives.
• Experience working with a community bank or bank holding company.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Bank's chief legal advisor, providing practical, business-focused counsel to executive leadership and the Board of Directors on legal, regulatory, governance, and strategic matters.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks, supporting enterprise risk management, policy development, regulatory compliance, and key strategic initiatives.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a wide range of contracts, agreements, corporate transactions, and other legal documents.
• Provide legal guidance on laws and regulations, corporate governance, employment matters, vendor relationships, real estate transactions, litigation, and other legal issues affecting the Bank and its subsidiaries.
• Oversee the Bank's corporate governance activities, including Board and committee support, governance documentation, and legal recordkeeping.
• Manage litigation, disputes, and regulatory matters, coordinating strategy and outcomes with executive leadership.
• Select, manage, and evaluate outside legal counsel and other legal service providers, ensuring high-quality representation, effective case management, and appropriate control of legal expenses.
• Monitor changes in applicable laws and regulations, proactively advising leadership on emerging legal risks and recommending appropriate actions.
• Develop and deliver legal and governance training for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and employees, as appropriate.
• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team by providing strategic guidance that supports the Bank's long-term success and organizational culture.
• Other duties as assigned and/or taken on.

Benefits

• Health coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Wellness Program that incentivizes you with premium cost savings
• Employee Assistance Program to help you with life’s challenges
• Basic Group term Life and AD&D to protect you and your family
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of the Bank through our 401k Retirement Plan
• Discounts on Pet Insurance
• Time off policies meant to support your work-life balance

What This Job Offers

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