Senior Employment Counsel — Columbia Bank, San Diego
Advise Columbia Bank on employment law, employee relations, and litigation. Develop policies and legal strategies to manage risk across a regulated financial institution.
United States
California$140,000 – $210,000 / year
On-siteFull-timeSeniorEnglish RequiredGeneral CounselDescription
- Advise on employee relations and other legal matters under the Deputy General Counsel’s supervision.
- Prepare legal memoranda and correspondence interpreting the law and recommending actions to management and internal bank clients.
- Identify potential legal issues and work with colleagues on risk reduction and litigation avoidance.
- Counsel Human Resources and bank managers on issues involving former, current, and prospective employees.
- Coordinate with Human Resources and external counsel on active and anticipated employment litigation.
- Create and carry out litigation strategies, and serve as counsel of record when appropriate.
- Act as the bank’s internal liaison to outside counsel.
- Work with Human Resources to create, draft, and revise employment and workplace policies and procedures.
- Track federal regulations, state laws, and court decisions—especially those related to employment—and provide subject matter expertise.
- Advise and assist with active and anticipated litigation connected to the bank’s business.
- Follow applicable banking regulations, internal policies and procedures, and required training.
- Keep current on the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulations CC and E, bank security, and other relevant rules.
- Coach and train colleagues, provide mentorship, and teach courses as a subject matter expert when requested.
- Support Columbia’s corporate culture and model its values.
- Take on other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Juris Doctor (JD) required.
- At least 10 years providing legal support and strategic advice to financial institutions or similarly regulated industries, with a focus on employment law.
- At least 8 years of California employment law and litigation defense experience preferred.
- Licensed to practice in relevant jurisdictions and a member in good standing of the relevant bar association.
- Knowledge and experience across corporate law, including corporate and securities matters; commercial and real estate lending; operations; compliance; employment; information and security; and treasury and investments.
- Broad understanding of financial services regulations and regulatory compliance.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, interpersonal, time management, and research skills.
- Sound judgment and strong decision-making, problem-solving, analytical, research, and litigation skills.
- Able to build effective relationships with business clients, attorneys, project managers, and corporate compliance professionals.
- Able to train others and prepare and deliver presentations to small and large audiences.
- Must pass the state bar exam in a state within the Bank’s footprint: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas, or Washington.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) savings plan with employer matching for eligible associate contributions.
- 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.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, volunteer days, and holidays.
- Benefits start on the first day of the month after hire for associates regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week.
- Performance-based incentive compensation may be available.