General Counsel bei BayPort Credit Union

POSITION SUMMARY:

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive leadership team. This role is responsible for overseeing all legal matters affecting the credit union, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, litigation, contracts, employment law, and strategic initiatives. The General Counsel ensures legal integrity across operations while enabling innovation and growth in alignment with the credit union’s mission and strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SUPPORTING DUTIES:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive leadership, offering legal insight that supports the credit union’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Provide legal analysis and recommendations on major business decisions, including but not limited to mergers, acquisitions, field of membership expansions, charter conversions, and new product development.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across departments to ensure legal considerations are integrated into strategic planning and operational execution.
• Monitor and interpret emerging legal and regulatory trends, assessing their potential impact on the credit union and advising on proactive strategies.
• Represent the credit union in industry forums, legislative advocacy efforts, and regulatory discussions to influence policy and protect institutional interests.
• Ensure the credit union’s operations comply with applicable federal and state laws, including NCUA, CFPB, BSA/AML, OFAC, ECOA, FCRA, TILA, RESPA, and others.
• Partner with the VP of Risk Management to develop and maintain a robust compliance framework that mitigates legal, operational, reputational, and cybersecurity risks.
• Oversee the implementation of new regulatory requirements, ensuring timely updates to policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Review and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including vendor agreements, fintech partnerships, service provider contracts, and loan participation agreements.
• Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws, internal policies, and third-party due diligence requirements.
• Advise on intellectual property, data privacy, cybersecurity, and technology-related legal issues within contracts.
• Select, retain, and manage outside counsel for specialized legal matters, including litigation, employment disputes, collections, and regulatory issues.
• Lead the drafting and revision of governance documents, including bylaws, policies, and employee handbooks.
• Provide legal support for special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and emerging business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Required Education:  

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

• Active license to practice law in Virginia or eligibility for Virginia Corporate Counsel designation.

Required Experience:  

• Minimum 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in the financial industry, preferably with in a credit union.
• Proven track record advising boards and senior executives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to adhere to BayPort Credit Union’s Core Values:  Integrity, Be Bold, Compassion, Diversity, Innovation, It’s On Me, and One Team.
• Deep understanding of credit union regulations and financial services law.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts for non-legal stakeholders.
• Executive presence with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High integrity and discretion in handling confidential matters.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.