The In-House Counsel's primary responsibility is to represent KEMBA Financial Credit Union by providing legal support and guidance to various business units and senior management related to credit union activities. The In-House Counsel is responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and personally following policies and procedures as defined. This position supervises and manages associates within the Legal Department.
Duties and Responsibilities
Represents KEMBA's interests in litigation, transactions, collections, contracts and other business matters and opportunities ensuring that proper policies, procedures, risk mitigation activities and controls are followed. Reports identified gaps in compliance, policies, practices, and operating controls are reported to senior management.
Identifies, researches, and analyzes relevant federal, state, and local legal requirements impacting products, services, and operations.
Prepares memoranda, correspondence or other materials summarizing and applying research and analysis to credit union issues. Evaluates new procedures, services and market changes which require legal review
Effectively communicates and works with Risk Management staff and other departments
Monitors bankruptcy cases to ensure maximum protection of the credit union's assets.
Implements appropriate policy and procedures for the accurate tracking and reporting of bankruptcy cases.
Recommends and implements procedures to reduce losses.
Recommends underwriting changes to Senior Management, as needed, to reduce future bankruptcy losses
Supports Risk Management and Lending in specialized legal matters including repossessions and foreclosures as appropriate
Reviews lending and deposit documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and operational simplicity for both internal and external users
In conjunction with department leaders drafts and reviews various vendor agreements, including services, purchase, software and technology, consulting, professional services, and other agreements and makes recommendations as appropriate.
Develops and maintains reports which document the significant activities of the department Interprets the reports and recommends/implements appropriate action as needed
Responds to Member inquiries as needed; provides professional and courteous service to members, whether staff members or natural person members.
Develops an understanding of Credit Union history, philosophy, organization, policies, and operational procedures
Allocates and reviews work, provides training, works with staff to set and achieve objectives, and guides and advises legal team associates for individual development.
Provides legal insight into complex regulatory and legal matters to outside business partners and trade organizations in representation of KEMBA when requested
On a self-directed basis, continue to improve individual level of competency through training and certification on established educational programs
Must be able to relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions:
Can get along with coworkers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extremes
Perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others
Respond appropriately to feedback from a supervisor
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
