Staff Attorney

California Coast Credit•San Diego, CA

7d•$130,814 - $163,517•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Attorney serves as in-house legal counsel for California Coast Credit Union and provides legal advice and guidance to management and business units on a broad range of corporate, contractual, employment, litigation, governance, operational, and financial services matters. The position works closely with internal stakeholders and outside counsel to review and negotiate contracts, support strategic initiatives, manage legal matters and disputes, and identify and mitigate legal risk throughout the organization. Active licensure to practice law in California is required. Banking, financial services, or credit union experience is preferred.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
Three to 5 years of legal experience, including experience in corporate, commercial, employment, financial services, banking, regulatory, or related practice areas.
Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of contracts and legal documents.
Strong legal research, analytical, negotiation, and written communication skills.
Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with all levels of the organization.
Comprehensive knowledge of financial service industry products, operations and procedures.
Expertise in local, state and federal laws and regulations as they apply to credit union products and services.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, along with highly complex conceptual thinking ability, and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously to meet work deadlines. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze data and develop solutions as needed.
Ability to interface and communicate both orally and in writing in a positive, professional manner with all levels of staff within the organization. Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly convey detailed information and instructions and write reports, correspondence and procedures.
Ability to deal with complex problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations and ability to use resources to problem solve. Sound judgment, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
Strong computer skills, advanced abilities with word processing and spreadsheet software.
Ability to interact effectively with peers, subordinates and outside contacts.
Ability to understand and follow policies and procedures, accept constructive criticism, and lead and manage others.

Nice To Haves

In-house experience is preferred but not required.
Experience advising financial institutions, banks, credit unions, fintechs, or other highly regulated organizations preferred.
Credit union experience is a plus.
Banking, financial services, or credit union experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively support and foster the credit union’s mission, vision and core values.
Serve as primary liaison with legal counsel on corporate legal matters.
Participate in the development of the strategic plan and carry out those items as assigned, personally or jointly.
Provide legal advice and practical counsel to management and business units regarding operational, contractual, employment, governance, lending, deposit, vendor, and member-related matters.
Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret contracts, agreements, policies, and other legal documents.
Coordinate and manage relationships with outside counsel.
Support litigation, subpoenas, regulatory inquiries, investigations, and dispute resolution matters.
Advise management regarding legal risks associated with new products, services, strategic initiatives, and operational changes.
Conduct legal research and provide guidance on applicable federal and California laws and regulations.
Assist with corporate governance matters, including Board and committee support.
Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the financial services industry and provide timely guidance to management.
Develop and deliver legal training and educational materials as needed.
Prepare reports, memoranda, and presentations regarding legal matters.
Other duties as assigned.
Provides timely, practical, and business-oriented legal advice to management and business units.
Identifies legal risks and recommends appropriate mitigation strategies.
Supports strategic initiatives, vendor relationships, and business transactions.
Coordinates litigation, subpoenas, investigations, member disputes, and other legal proceedings.
Manages relationships with outside counsel and monitors legal spend.
Supports Board and committee matters as assigned.
Monitors legal and regulatory developments and advises management regarding implications to the organization.
Conducts legal research.
Develops training and educational materials.
Assists with special projects and strategic initiatives.