Senior Corporate Counsel - Ridgeland, MS

BankPlus; Ridgeland (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

BankPlus in Ridgeland, MS seeks a Senior Corporate Counsel to partner with the Chief Legal Officer on regulatory matters, governance, risk management and corporate strategy. The role ensures Bank-wide legal compliance while supporting business objectives and protecting reputation.

Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating contracts, supporting governance documents, and overseeing regulatory filings. Requires JD, MS Bar, and 6–8 years in relevant banking law or regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active Mississippi Bar license.
• 6–8 years of legal experience, preferably banking, financial services, or regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Provide bank-wide regulatory and operational legal counsel and advice.
• Draft and review contracts, leases, and other agreements.
• Support governance frameworks, charters, and bylaws.
• Coordinate with HR, Compliance and Risk on regulatory developments.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Discretion

Prioritization

Regulatory acumen

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) and Mississippi Bar

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

This position works collaboratively across departments to ensure the Bank operates within all applicable legal and regulatory requirements while advancing its business objectives and safeguarding its reputation. The Senior Corporate Counsel partners closely with the Chief Legal Officer on legal oversight, governance, risk management, and regulatory matters, ensuring the Bank maintains full compliance with the law while meeting strategic and financial goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides bank wide regulatory and operational legal counsel and legal advice on various matters affecting the Bank.
• Assists in preparation of Board and committee materials, including resolutions, minutes, consents, and governance policies.
• Supports the development and maintenance of corporate governance frameworks, charters, and bylaws.
• Reviews, negotiates and drafts contracts, leases, and agreements.
• Ensures proper documentation, recordkeeping, and maintenance of the Bank’s corporate records
• Partners with Human Resources, Compliance and Risk teams monitor and interpret regulatory developments, ensuring timely implementation of required changes.
• Identifies and mitigates legal risks associated with new products, services, and strategic initiatives.
• Evaluates potential exposure and develops strategies for dispute resolution or settlement.
• Develops, implements, and updates legal and compliance policies to reflect regulatory expectations and industry standards.
• Reviews, manages, and responds to various third‑party legal inquiries affecting the Bank such as garnishments, tax levies, and subpoenas, whether civil or criminal.
• Files pleadings and makes limited appearances in state and Federal courts on behalf of the Bank in a variety of lawsuits.
• Works with outside counsel on legal matters, mediations, arbitrations, and hearings.
• Supports Chief Legal Officer and Bank officers on legal matters affecting the Bank.
• Reviews, drafts, and updates internal policies, procedures, and standard forms to align with current laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Reviews advertising and marketing materials to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of Bank products, services, policies, procedures, and appropriate regulatory issues as related to daily job functions including but not limited to: Bank Secrecy Act; Privacy Act; Fair Lending Act; Regulation E, etc. Completes required compliance training and adhere to the Bank’s standard of conduct.
• Represents the Bank in community affairs.
• Make referrals to the Mortgage Center and Wealth Management.
• Participate in the bank’s High‑ Performance Rewards Connections program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active license to practice law – Affiliation with the Mississippi Bar Association. Preferred legal experience in the states of Louisiana and Alabama.
• Minimum of six (6) to eight (8) years of legal experience, with preferred experience including banking, financial services, or regulatory compliance.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Extensive reading as needed.
• Proven discretion, and integrity in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, highly regulated environment.