Senior Counsel

Columbia Bank; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Mental health resources

Identity theft protection

Legal support

Discount marketplace

Paid vacation/holidays

Job summary

Columbia Bank in San Diego, CA seeks a Senior Counsel to advise management and HR on employment law, risk mitigation, and policy development.

You will oversee employee-relations litigation, coordinate with outside counsel, draft guidance, and stay current with federal and state regulations.

Requirements include a JD, 10+ years in financial institutions, 8+ years in California employment law, and active bar admission; on-site work.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of legal experience advising financial institutions or similarly regulated industries.
• 8+ years of California employment law and litigation defense experience.
• Active bar admission in relevant jurisdictions; in good standing.
• Knowledge of corporate law including securities, commercial lending, compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to management.
• Oversee employee-relations litigation with outside counsel.
• Draft and update workplace policies and procedures.
• Advise HR on terminated and prospective employee relations matters.
• Appear as counsel of record when appropriate.
• Liaise with outside counsel to manage litigation risk.

Skills

Employment law

Litigation strategy

Regulatory compliance

Legal writing

Client relations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission (CA)

Job description

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and with a particular emphasis on employee relations in collaboration with the Bank’s Human Resource Department, provide legal counsel and guidance to ensure best practices are implemented, risk is appropriately mitigated and the Bank’s interests are protected. Provide professional interpretations and recommendations to management and other internal Bank clients on legal issues, including written memoranda and correspondence. Anticipate, identify and communicate potential legal issues within the Bank, and collaborate on the development of strategies to mitigate risk and avoid litigation associated with such issues. Advise Human Resources Administration and Bank managers on issues arising from terminated, existing and prospective employee relations. Together with Human Resources Administration, oversee active and threatened litigation arising from employee relations, developing and executing (together with outside counsel, when applicable) on appropriate strategies to mitigate risk and advocate for the Bank’s interests. Where and when appropriate, appear as counsel of record in a matter. Serve as an internal point of contact for outside counsel, facilitating timely and efficient communication between Bank personnel and outside counsel. Collaborate with Human Resources Administration to develop, draft and update employment and workplace policies and procedures to ensure best practices are identified and implemented. Stay abreast of developments in federal regulation, state statute and case law relating to the Bank’s business activities, with a particular emphasis on employment activities, and serve as a subject matter expert. Provide guidance and assistance on active and threatened litigation generally arising from the Bank’s business. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes. Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training. Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description. May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert. Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate. Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice” May perform other duties as assigned.

About You

Bachelor's Degree required. Juris Doctor (JD) required. 10+ years of experience in providing legal support and strategic advice to financial institutions or other similarly regulated industries in private practice or in-house, with a specific emphasis on employment law required. 8+ years of experience with California employment law and litigation defense preferred. Admitted to practice in relevant jurisdictions; member in good standing of relevant bar association. Knowledge of and experience with a broad expanse of corporate law, which may include, Corporate and Securities; Commercial and Real Estate Lending; Operations; Compliance; Employment; Information and Security; Treasury and Investments. Possess a broad understanding of financial services regulations and must comply with all applicable regulations for assigned job function and apply to designated job responsibilities. Demonstrate excellent analytical, organizational, communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, time management and research skills. Possess strong judgment, decision making, problem resolution, analytical, research, and litigation skills. Ability to build collegial and effective relationships with business clients, attorneys, project managers, and corporate compliance professionals. Ability to train others; create, develop and deliver presentations to small and large audiences. Pass State Bar Exam in one of the Bank’s footprint states Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas, or Washington required. Occasional travel may be required.

Primary Location

The pay range for this role is $140,000 - $210,000. The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s). 4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122

Our Benefits

• We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
• We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays.
• Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics.

If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [e-mail].

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.

Why work for Columbia Bank?

At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career. As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship-based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive. Our culture is built on Do RIGHT, which means:

• Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities.
• Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies.
• Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
• Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other.
• Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do.

A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity. A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact. Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives.

Ready to Do RIGHT for your career, your community, and your future? Explore opportunities and join Columbia Bank today.