Staff Attorney

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited New York Branch•New York, NY

11d•$190,000 - $205,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Attorney works in the Legal Department of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited’s New York Branch, providing legal consultation and advice to the Bank’s departments, U.S. entities, Tokyo head office departments, other domestic and international offices, and affiliates. The role reviews, drafts, and negotiates legal documentation related to the Bank’s ongoing activities and assists senior legal leaders with the Legal Department’s overall work, including supervision of support staff. The position may have direct-report staff. The Attorney handles legal matters across areas including real estate, fund finance, structured finance, project finance, and CLOs; supports product development and service improvements; monitors legal and regulatory developments and the Bank’s compliance; and works with outside counsel when retained. The role also has BSA/AML responsibilities, including customer and account-opening reviews, maintaining the customer identification program, and supporting relevant Branch policies. The role is based in New York City and requires a hybrid schedule with at least two days per week in the office. Physical presence at the Bank’s Hoboken location may be required, no more than once per month.

Requirements

J.D. degree in law.
Membership in the New York State Bar.
Four years of experience, preferably in a law firm or comparable in-house setting.
Experience as a transactional attorney.
Ability to review, draft, and negotiate complex legal documents.

Nice To Haves

Experience in asset management.
Experience in banking regulation.
Experience in a law firm or comparable in-house setting.

Responsibilities

Provide timely legal consultation and advice to SMTBNY, SMTBUSA, SMTAMA, relevant Tokyo head office departments, other domestic and international SMTB offices, and affiliates.
Assist in coordinating the development of new products and improvements to existing services with SMTB business departments.
Review documentation relating to the Bank’s daily operations, including NDAs, third-party vendor agreements, syndicated loan agreements, amendments, and assignment agreements.
Represent SMTB in legal matters, whether or not outside counsel is retained, including bilateral loans in real estate, fund finance, structured finance, project finance, and CLOs.
Perform legal work internally where appropriate to reduce the Bank’s overall legal costs without incurring material risk.
Keep apprised of relevant statutes, regulations, case law, other legal developments, and proposed changes.
Monitor SMTB’s compliance with applicable law and stay informed about its current and contemplated activities.
Conduct periodic seminars on topical issues relevant to SMTB and its business activities.
Communicate the Legal Department’s role and availability to SMTB departments.
Develop and update handbooks and policies on pertinent issues.
Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by management.
Be physically present at SMTBUSA in Hoboken when necessary, no more than once per month.
Work closely with outside counsel when retained, including attending meetings and conference calls and addressing structuring and documentation issues.
Review Customer Profile/Regulatory Compliance Checklists for each new Lending Group customer.
Review Account Opening Application Forms for each new NY Unit customer.
Review BSA Risk Matrices for each new customer.
Maintain the Branch’s customer identification program using risk-based procedures to establish a reasonable belief that the Branch knows its customers’ true identities.
Remain knowledgeable about the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations, and understand the Branch’s products, services, customers, and geographic locations.
Ensure employees adhere to the Branch’s BSA/AML policies, procedures, and processes.
Assist the General Counsel, Senior Counsel, and Assistant General Counsels in maintaining and updating Branch policies relating to BSA/AML compliance.
Assist the General Counsel, Senior Counsel, and Assistant General Counsels with Legal Department activities, including supervising support staff.

Benefits

Paid time off.
Medical benefits.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
401(k).
Profit sharing.
Legal plan.
Cancer indemnity plan.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Commuter benefits.
Business travel accident coverage.
Paid volunteer day.
Paid memberships.
Paid seminars.
Tuition assistance.
Socialization and wellness activities, including financial wellbeing activities, runs and walks, team building, happy hours, and activities supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.