LEGAL COUNSEL MANAGER - WATERFORD chez First BanCorp

Job Summary:

Responsible for all legal activities of the Bank’s Florida Region as well as directing activities of legal staff.  Assist in protecting the region’s legal interest and maintaining its operations within the scope established by law. Provides legal counseling and related support to Management, and the departments, operational, business and administrative units of the Florida region.

The Legal Counsel of the Florida region provides legal support to the General Counsel in corporate related matters of the Corporation, such as comprehensive legal research, major corporate transactions, and major litigation. Responsible for keeping management informed of new laws and regulations and changes in same.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides legal support in corporate related matters of the Bank and performs research of local and federal banking laws.

• Assists the General Counsel in the general management of legal risk for the region, identifying and analyzing legal issues

• Advises department managers on legal risks and participates as requested in the formulation of policy for the region

• Performs comprehensive research in specialized legal topics by researching applicable laws and regulations, including statutes, procedural, administrative, or case law information, and by reviewing legal periodicals and materials relevant to a specialty area of law
  
  
• Provides legal counsel to the Bank on matters of development, training, employment, compensation, benefits, communications and other related issues in the region’s daily operations

• Assist with internal investigations as requested by the General Counsel

• Offers legal assistance to Credit Officers in corporate/commercial financing agreements and amendments

• Perform residential and commercial loan closings, including loan documents drafting and negotiation

• Reviewing, drafting, analyzing, interpreting, advising, and negotiating a wide range of contracts and documents with respect to vendors, partners, and clients, presenting clear recommendations and assuring legal compliance

• Manages the relationship of the Bank with outside counsels and others having business with the Bank

• Acts as the agent of the Bank in real estate transactions, legislative and regulatory hearings, and other related areas.

• Assist in litigation cases of the region

• Assist regulatory and independent auditors and examiners, as necessary

• Reviews and approves documentation for billings, probate claims, title disputes and other related issues for the Bank

• Provide support to the Subpoenas & Legal Requirements Unit of the Bank on matters related to the Florida Region (Subpoenas and Legal Requirements served on the Bank by Law Enforcement Agencies, Government Agencies and Courts of Law)

• Review, analyze and respond to all notice of levies, writs of garnishment, subpoenas

• Actively managed the foreclosure Litigation cases for the Bank. Reviews accounts recommended for foreclosure

• Negotiate agreements for the sale of REO property

• Assists in the drafting of Policies & Procedures of the Legal Department for the region
  
  

• Assist in the preparation and management of the department and/or legal department’s staff area budget

• Prepare and conduct training sessions for internal clients

• Represent the Bank in business, government and community activities within the context of the above stated responsibilities.
  

Independence of Judgment:

• The degree of judgement is related to the identification and definition of new problems of moderate complexity and recommendation of action or decision on specialized and complex subjects of impact for important functions of the Corporation.

Impact of Errors:

• The impact of errors of this position could affect other department activities, as well as the Corporation’s reputation with the government entities, regulatory agencies, and the community in general. It could also affect material activities for the Bank, either from other divisions or departments, or within.

Competencies:

• Computer proficiency

• Fully Bilingual - Write, speak and comprehend English and Spanish

• Strong Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Communication:

• High level of analytical and interpersonal communication skills is required

• Initiative

• Striving for Excellence

• Teamwork and Diversity

• Negotiation skills

• Problem solving capabilities

• Good Analytical abilities

• General Banking and Business Knowledge

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close and distance vision. While performing the duties successfully perform the essential functions of this position it is regularly required to sit; use hands and to finger, handle or feel, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Able to handle pressure and juggle multiple priorities.

Education/Experience:

• Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with at least ten years of increasingly responsible experience representing a financial institution

• Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures

• Able to lead and direct the work of others

• Flexible work schedule
  

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not indented to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified.  The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporate reporting structure.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITTY EMPLOYER