VP of Legal

Austin Telco Federal Credit Union • Austin, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Legal serves as the principal legal advisor to Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, providing strategic guidance to leadership and the Board of Directors. The role leads the Credit Union’s legal function and develops legal strategies, policies, and procedures that support organizational objectives, protect the organization’s interests, and promote compliance and ethical business practices.

The position oversees contracts, litigation, claims, disputes, investigations, business transactions, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, enterprise legal risk, and protection of intellectual property and confidential information. It also serves as a primary liaison with regulators, government authorities, outside counsel, and other external legal stakeholders. The Vice President develops and delivers legal and compliance training, prepares reports and presentations for leadership and the Board, and manages legal department budgets, resources, and vendor relationships.

The role is based at 11149 Research Blvd, Austin, Texas, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is classified as exempt.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar and ability to practice law in applicable jurisdictions.
• At least 10 years of progressive legal experience, including at least 5 years providing strategic leadership within a corporate legal department or business environment.
• Expertise in corporate law, contract negotiation, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Experience advising leadership teams and Boards of Directors on complex legal, regulatory, and strategic business matters.
• Experience managing litigation, investigations, regulatory examinations, and dispute resolution processes.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to financial institutions and credit unions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters professionally and discreetly.
• Leadership experience managing legal teams, outside counsel, and cross-functional business relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to ethics, integrity, and professional responsibility.
• Good credit standing, verified prior to interview.
• Successful education verification, background check, and drug screening upon offer.
• Verification of active state bar membership in good standing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as Corporate Counsel or a senior legal executive within a credit union, financial institution, or other highly regulated industry.
• Familiarity with National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and other financial services regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, charter expansions, or other complex strategic initiatives.
• Familiarity with credit union documentation and processes, operations, lending, and collections.
• Experience with data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and vendor management matters.
• Corporate Secretary experience supporting Board governance activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal legal advisor to leadership and the Board of Directors on legal, regulatory, governance, and business matters.
• Lead and manage the Credit Union’s legal function, including internal legal resources and external legal counsel.
• Develop, implement, and maintain legal strategies, policies, and procedures that support organizational objectives and compliance.
• Advise leadership on legal risks and regulatory requirements affecting operations, products, services, and strategic initiatives.
• Promote ethical conduct, integrity, and corporate responsibility throughout the organization.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and interpret contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Oversee litigation, claims, disputes, investigations, and other legal proceedings, coordinating with stakeholders and external counsel.
• Provide legal support for mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, vendor relationships, and other complex business transactions.
• Advise on corporate governance, including Board administration, governance practices, resolutions, policies, and organizational records.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, governmental authorities, outside counsel, and other external legal stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and industry developments and recommend actions to maintain compliance and minimize risk.
• Support enterprise risk management by identifying, assessing, and addressing legal and regulatory risks.
• Oversee protection and management of the Credit Union’s intellectual property, confidential information, and other legal interests.
• Develop and deliver legal and compliance education, training, and guidance to employees, leadership, and the Board.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations on legal matters for executive leadership, Board committees, and the Board of Directors.
• Manage the legal department budget, resources, and vendor relationships.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Optional coverage for critical illness, legal support, and other needs.
• Paid federal holidays, vacation, sick leave, and special paid days for birthdays, work anniversaries, and other milestones.
• 401(k) with company match and a pension plan.
• Volunteer opportunities and credit union-sponsored events.
• Supportive, mission-driven culture that values respect, empathy, service, integrity, and cooperation.

What This Job Offers

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