General Counsel

First Interstate Bank; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 330,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Federal holidays

Job summary

First Interstate Bank is seeking a General Counsel to serve as the chief legal officer, guiding the bank in compliance with federal and state banking laws while supporting safe, ethical banking practices.

The role reports to executive management and the Boards, overseeing governance, litigation, and government relations while coordinating with Compliance and Risk to maintain a strong compliance culture. JD required; 10+ years in‑house or firm experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of providing strategic legal guidance at 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor on federal, state, and local issues affecting the Company and affiliates.
• Act as Corporate Secretary to Holding Company and Bank Boards of Directors.
• Advise directors and senior leaders on governance best practices.
• Oversee all legal matters and outside counsel relationships.
• Monitor legal costs and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit to maintain a strong framework.

Skills

Strategic legal advice

Governance

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Judgment and discretion

Education

JD from accredited law school

Job description

Location: Billings MT; Boise, ID; Bend, OR; Denver, CO; Omaha, NE or Sioux Falls, SD.

What’s Important to You

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) in addition to paid federal holidays.
• Student debt employer repayment program.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match.

The health and happiness of the places we call home matter to us. Learn a little more about what we do for the communities we serve and why we want YOU to be a part of it. We encourage you to apply. Reach for what you want and tell us why your work ethic and willingness to learn make you a natural fit for #TeamFirstInterstate.

SUMMARY

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer for the bank, providing strategic legal guidance on all legal-related matters. This executive-level role ensures the institution operates in full compliance with federal and state banking laws while supporting safe, sound, and ethical banking practices. The General Counsel is a key advisor to executive management, the Holding Company's and Bank's Boards of Directors and board committees. Additionally, this position serves as Corporate Secretary to the Holding Company's and Bank's Boards of Directors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the primary legal advisor on all federal, state, and local legal issues facing the Company and/or its affiliates and subsidiaries.
• Serves as the Corporate Secretary to both the Holding company and Bank Boards of Directors.
• Advises the Company, directors, and senior leaders on governance best practices.
• Oversees all legal advice to the Holding Company and Bank.
• Manages Company-wide litigation consistent with the Company’s risk appetite.
• Manages all outside counsel relationships.
• Monitors legal costs to maintain control of spending while achieving positive outcomes.
• Develops proactive initiatives to enhance Company legal and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees the Company’s government relations function.
• Oversees preparation of board books, resolutions, and minutes.
• Monitors and interprets changes in applicable federal, state, and local law.
• Oversees internal investigations involving legal and/or ethical matters.
• Partners with Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit to maintain a strong compliance framework.
• Partners with Risk in responding to regulatory exams, findings, and enforcement actions.
• Serves as the Company’s Insider Trading Officer and Ethics Officer.
• Reinforces a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and accountability.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads a team of dedicated legal professionals.
• Performs personnel actions including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and interviewing candidates for employment.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• JD from an accredited law school required.
• 10+ years prior in-house or law firm legal practice experience advising financial institutions required.
• 10+ years experience advising financial institutions on federal and state regulatory matters preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bar Admission - Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction upon hire required.
• Bar Admission - Active license to practice law in state where individual’s office will be located within 180 Days required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met or encountered to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Dexterity of hands/fingers to operate computer keyboard and mouse - Frequently Sitting - Frequently Standing - Occasionally Noise Level - Moderate Typical Work Hours - M-F (8-5) Regular and Predictable Attendance - Required Travel - as needed

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

We offer a competitive total compensation package including base salary and benefits. The anticipated pay range for this position is $330,000.00 to $550,00.00 per year (in CO) and depends on a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills and experience, education, and geographic location. Additionally, this role is eligible to receive annual discretionary cash and stock bonuses.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings account
• Employee assistance program
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off (new hires accrue at .069 per hours worked which equates to approximately 18 days per year inclusive of paid sick time)
• Up to 11 paid Federal holidays

E-VERIFY NOTICE & RIGHT TO WORK NOTICE

First Interstate BancSystem participates in E-Verify which will require new employees to verify their identity and employment eligibility through the internet-based system operated by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). All applicants must pass pre-employment screenings including a background check. E-Verify Notice English or Spanish. Right to Work Notice English or Spanish.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

First Interstate Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce and a barrier-free employment process. Employment is based solely on an individual's merit and qualifications directly related to the position. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, age, marital status, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristics protected by law. We make all reasonable accommodations to meet the obligations set forth under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.

In order to ensure reasonable accommodations for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, individuals that require accommodation in the job application process for a posted position may contact us Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm MST at [e-mail].