Associate Council Banking / Fintech

Draft, review, revise, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts and legal documents, including third-party vendor, software and technology agreements, customer and master services agreements, partnership and referral arrangements, customer-facing documents and disclosures, and non-disclosure agreements. The role serves as a collaborative legal partner to business-line leaders, risk management, compliance, human resources, operations, information technology, lending, finance, and other departments to ensure business objectives are achieved in a legally compliant, ethical, and risk-conscious manner.

Job Title: Associate Council Banking / Fintech
Type: Direct Hire
Work Location: Onsite position in Raleigh, NC

Job Overview:

The Associate Counsel position provides legal advice, guidance, and support to the bank and its subsidiaries and affiliates on a broad range of legal, contractual, operational, regulatory, governance, and transactional matters.  Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, this position partners closely with business-line leaders and support functions to identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and help ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Associate Counsel serves as a trusted advisor to various business units while supporting the organization’s strategic objectives in a manner consistent with its risk appetite and corporate values.

The role serves as a collaborative legal partner to business-line leaders, risk management, compliance, human resources, operations, information technology, lending, finance, and other departments to ensure business objectives are achieved in a legally compliant, ethical, and risk-conscious manner. The Associate Counsel is expected to develop a deep understanding of the company's operations and regulatory environment while supporting a culture of accountability, innovation, and partnership across the organization.

Essential Job Responsibilities:
 

• Draft, review, revise, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts and legal documents, including third-party vendor, software and technology agreements, customer and master services agreements, partnership and referral arrangements, customer-facing documents and disclosures, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on federal and state banking laws, consumer protection laws, corporate governance matters, privacy regulations, and other legal issues impacting the organization.
• Identify legal, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks in proposed business activities and provide practical recommendations to mitigate risk while supporting business objectives.
• Provide legal support and guidance regarding corporate, operational, regulatory, employment, commercial, technology, and transactional matters.
• Support corporate governance activities, including, as needed, preparation of board materials, committee materials (both board and management level), resolutions, corporate records, and regulatory filings.
• Provide legal review of policies, procedures, and risk-management initiatives.
• Assist with legal due diligence activities associated with strategic projects, acquisitions, partnerships, and other corporate initiatives.
• Partner with Human Resources on employment-related matters, policy reviews, workplace investigations, restrictive covenant agreements, and compliance with applicable employment laws.
• Support the review of marketing materials, customer communications, disclosures, and product documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assist with the management of litigation matters, subpoenas, garnishments, levies, search warrants, regulatory requests, and other legal process matters.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized legal matters and assist with monitoring legal spend and matter management.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting financial institutions and technology companies and communicate implications to management and the Chief Legal Officer.
• Collaborate with Risk Management, Compliance, Information Security, Audit, and business leaders to support enterprise risk management initiatives and regulatory examinations.
• Develop strong partnerships with leaders across the organization to understand business priorities and provide proactive legal guidance.
• Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives that support organizational growth, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.
• Promote ethical business practices and reinforce adherence to the Company's Code of Conduct and corporate governance framework.
• Other duties as assigned.

Authority, Impact, Risk:

• Provides legal support and recommendations that influence business decisions and risk management practices.
• Assists in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Supports responses to regulatory agencies, auditors, examiners, and legal requests.
• Helps mitigate legal, operational, financial, compliance, and reputational risks.
• Supports timely and accurate management of legal documentation, contracts, litigation matters, and regulatory obligations.

Key Relationships:

• Internal
• Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel
• Executive Leadership Team
• Human Resources
• Risk Management
• Compliance
• Operations
• Information Technology
• Information Security
• Finance and Accounting
• Internal Audit
• Lending and Treasury Management Teams
• Business Line and Department Leaders

 

• External
• Outside Counsel
• Vendors and Service Providers
• Business Partners
• Auditors and Consultants
• Regulatory Agencies and Examiners

Managerial Accountability:

• Individual contributor role.
• May provide guidance, training, and legal support to business partners and less experienced team members.
• Responsible for maintaining legal work product quality, documentation standards, and adherence to departmental procedures

Working Conditions:

• Limited travel.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex legal, regulatory, and contractual documents.
• Ability to independently evaluate legal issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines and changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across departments and functions.

Time Allocation:

• Contract Review, Negotiation & Document Drafting ..................... 40%
• Legal Research, Regulatory Compliance & Governance ............... 20%
• Litigation, Subpoenas & Legal Process Support .......................... 20%
• Business Partner Support & Strategic Projects ............................ 15%
• Training, Departmental Initiatives & Professional Development ... 5%

Required Skills & Experience:
 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina or eligible to obtain admission within a reasonable timeframe.
• 2–7 years of legal experience in a law firm, financial institution, technology company, regulatory agency, or corporate legal department.
• Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively across departments.
• Strong business acumen, problem-solving capabilities, and work ethic.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and legal research platforms.
• Desire to learn and grow within the legal and financial services industry.

Big Bonus Points if you Have:
 

• Experience supporting banks, financial institutions, financial technology companies or highly regulated industries.
• Exposure to banking regulations, consumer financial protection laws, and corporate governance matters.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating commercial, technology, software, licensing, and/or vendor agreements.
• Familiarity with data privacy, cybersecurity, and information security regulations.
• Exposure to employment law, regulatory compliance, or litigation management.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or strategic corporate initiatives.
• Knowledge of GLBA, state privacy laws, FERPA, and/or consumer financial services regulations.
• Interest and knowledge of software-as-a-service, banking-as-a-service, and artificial intelligence uses and applications.
• Knowledge of SEC and securities laws.

Risk Management Requirements:
Understands and adheres to Workplace Policies, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, privacy, and information security guidelines. Understands and adheres to Anti-Money Laundering, Bank Secrecy Act, and Compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act policies and procedures applicable to position, completing any supporting requirements within defined timeframes. Acts within authorized limits and delegated authorities and role applicable policies and procedures. Follows processes and controls to protect shareholder interests. Mitigates risk to the bank and customers by following all applicable security procedures.

Job Requisition # 40484 #LI-JN1

A reasonable estimate of the Base Salary for this role is $125,000 - $170,000 per year. The disclosed pay range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  The compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case, such as skills and experience levels.


Meet APC

APC is a professional staffing and services organization focused on engaging people and positively impacting lives. As “Professionals serving Professionals”®, we take pride in providing our employees and contractors with the highest level of customer service and support.
APC is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status.