VP, Corporate Counsel

SECU; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

SECU, a Maryland-based credit union, seeks a VP, Corporate Counsel to lead and oversee the legal function, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation for members and the organization.

Responsibilities include policy development, daily operations, contract review, litigation representation, and advising management. Must have MD bar and 5+ years in Maryland practice, with 2–3 years of management experience and 10+ years in legal/compliance for financial institutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience supporting legal and regulatory compliance operations of a financial institution.
• 2-3 years management experience preferred.
• 5 years’ experience actively practicing law in Maryland required.
• Credit Union experience preferred but not required.
• Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, failures and overall deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, guidance, and training to direct reports.
• Oversee staff performance, evaluations, and professional development.
• Assign projects, set priorities, and ensure departmental objectives are met.
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance work environment focused on accuracy and accountability.
• Advise management on legal and regulatory issues impacting SECU.
• Review contracts and legal documents to ensure SECU standards.
• Represent SECU in court actions as required; negotiate outcomes as appropriate.
• Monitor regulatory developments to advise leadership accordingly.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Legal risk management

Contract negotiation

Policy development

Job description

What you will do:

The VP, Corporate Counsel provides daily oversight and management support to SECU legal functions. This position safeguards SECU members and interests by ensuring SECU remains compliant with regulation and mitigating legal risks.

The VP, Corporate Counsel adheres to regulations and organizational policies, maintaining awareness and knowledge required to perform the duties of the position, including all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations, such as OFAC, and the USA Patriot Act, Fair Lending and Information Security.

A day in your life might include:

• Responsible for managing daily legal department operations and supporting the Chief Legal Officer
• Responsible for development and implementation of department policies, procedures and reporting
• Provides legal support for Complaint Management Program; advises of systemic issues or member pain points requiring remediation; supports remediation
• Provides timely and professional legal support and opinion/guidance to management and staff
• Performs research on legal/regulatory inquiries affecting SECU
• Reviews, drafts and formalizes all legal documents
• Reviews contracts and other legal documents, provides feedback and ensures agreements meet SECU standards
• Represents SECU in court actions as required; negotiations outcomes/settlements as appropriate
• Reviews SECU policies, programs, procedures and disclosures
• Supports SECU projects and initiatives
• Reviews and provides comment for notice of proposed rulemaking, advocating for SECU’s interests
• Evaluates and recommends use of outside counsel by SECU and partners with outside counsel on specialized matters.
• Monitors credit union industry trends as well as legal and regulatory developments to advise leadership accordingly.
• Fosters a culture of compliance and legal awareness organizationally

Additional Responsibilities may include:

• Interact and support CUSO partners and credit union partners
• Partner with BSA, Compliance and Risk Management Leadership to ensure alignment with guidance, rules, and regulations

What we need from you:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, guidance, and training to direct reports
• Oversee staff performance, conduct evaluations, and support professional development
• Assign projects, set priorities, and ensure departmental objectives are met
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance work environment focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• 10+ years of experience supporting legal and regulatory compliance operations of a financial institution
• 2-3 years management experience preferred
• 5 years’ experience actively practicing law in Maryland required
• Credit Union experience preferred but not required
• Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, failures and overall deliverables
• Utilizes oral and written communication to enhance relationships across the organization
• Clearly communicates information, thoughts and ideas in a clear, concise and organized manner
• Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, culture, and geography
• Possesses a clear understanding of strengths, limitations, emotions, beliefs, and motivations of self and others
• Maintains composure and effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment
• Adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
• Demonstrates an understanding of SECU’s culture, core values, mission and strategic priorities as it relates to one’s work and overall performance

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods

We provide comprehensive benefits, with a focus on total well-being:

• 401k plan with company matching
• Generous sick, vacation and personal leave

SECU is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where all individuals are valued and respected. We take pride in providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.