Corporate Counsel

DescriptionUnder direction of the Legal Division Manager, this position performs advanced legal work and is responsible for rendering legal advice to all levels of management on high-value, high-risk, and highly-sensitive issues; implementing the Company’s legal risk management program; interpreting laws and regulations; preparing, negotiating and interpreting complex legal documents; assisting with the negotiation and documentation of complex, high-value vendor and revenue contracts; selecting and directing outside attorneys; supervising the Company’s involvement with dispute resolution, civil litigation and responses to regulatory inquiries; and assisting with business development, corporate communications and government relations. This position has extensive latitude to use initiative and independent professional judgment.ResponsibilitiesProvides counsel on company policies, and compliance with state, local and federal laws, on all aspects of financial institutions law and corporate compliancePerforms research and provides advice related to proposed business initiativesAnalyzes proposed legislation and formulates responses and coordinates lobbying efforts with trade groupsReviews changes in laws and regulations, and advises business units which may be affectedAssists in the development of internal and external messages related to disputes, legal issues and media inquiriesCounsels on employee disputes, benefits, and potential disciplinary actionsAdvises on interpretation / implementation of complex trust, estate planning and retirement fund documentsProvides training to compliance officers and business unit management on legal risk, compliance and legislative developmentsCounsels on the differences between legal requirements in Hawaii and the other jurisdictions in which BOH operatesEngages management and staff in information-sharing, team-building and consensus development related to legal risk identification, avoidance and remediationHandles complex high-value / highly-sensitive projects, drafts sophisticated legal documents, and assists in the development and implementation of corporate policiesDrafts, edits and reviews legally-compliant customer agreements and disclosures for products and servicesProvides legal support in the drafting, negotiation and administration of vendor and revenue-producing contractsReviews, revises, negotiates and provides legal support in administering sales, leases, subleases, and other dispositions of Company real propertyReviews / revises lending, leasing, subordination, securitization, trust, corporate treasury and other documents for business unitsAssists in the preparation and review of BOH’s SEC and other public filingsPrepares, reviews and edits bank regulatory filings (e.g., branch openings, operating subsidiary formation, and mergers, acquisitions and divestitures)Serves as an advocate for BOH in complex high-stakes / highly-sensitive disputes and regulatory investigationsSupervises / participates in investigations of alleged misconduct by officers and employees. Assures that appropriate evidence is gathered and preservedResponds to inquiries, investigations and complaints from customers, attorneys, and regulatorsAssesses the legal, reputational and other risks posed by claims. Advocates BOH’s position in negotiating resolution of disputes with customers, regulators and vendorsProactively directs / coordinates lawsuits, administrative hearings and other legal proceedings in which BOH becomes involved. Advances BOH’s legal rights by initiating and pursuing lawsuits, administrative hearings, arbitration cases, appeals and other proceedings. Recommends outside litigation counsel to represent BOH in coordinating activities as appropriateReviews and revises legal briefs, motions and memoranda prepared by outside litigation counselAppears at depositions and court proceedings as legal counsel for the Bank and its employeesProtects BOH’s trademarks and service marks by assuring proper registration, maintenance and defense of marks at the state and federal levelsServes as legal risk management representative on senior-level management committeesServes as an officer or director of Bank subsidiariesManages the activities and work responsibilities of the paralegal and support staffResponsible for selecting outside attorneys for non-litigation matters, and supervising the work they perform for BOHPerforms all other miscellaneous responsibilities and duties as assignedQualificationsJuris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited law school. Must be a member in good standing of the Hawaii State BarMinimum of ten years of work experience in the practice of banking, corporate, commercial law or related areas with a law firm, corporation or government agency, or equivalent work experienceDemonstrated proficiency with personal computers in a networked environment and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or similar software. Knowledge of or ability to use Bank software and systemsThis position requires a high level of legal expertise and judgment. Demonstrated ability to be forward-thinking and creative, with the confidence to present and advocate for the implementation of ideas. Must be able to independently assume responsibility for the successful completion of complex legal projects or cases involving substantial consequences and / or expenditures. Excellent communication skills, particularly to assist a non-legal audience in understanding complex legal and regulatory requirements. Outstanding client management skills, with an ability to inspire confidence and trust with individuals working in a variety of disciplines. Good judgment, initiative and the ability to plan and carry out complex projects. Business-oriented approach to problem-solving, tempered by an appreciation for legal complexity and risk. Clear understanding and adherence to ethical principles, Company values, code of conduct and policies. Demonstrated ability to make and stick to tough and potentially unpopular decisions. Able to work flexible hours including holidays, weekends and evenings as needed or assigned. Must be able to provide own transportation or to operate a vehicle with a valid driver’s license, and commute as required. Travels by air as required. Lifts, moves carries and transports items up to 20 lbs.As a Bank of Hawaii employee, you ensure (or assist with ensuring) compliance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory requirements and Bank policies and procedures, including but not limited to those related to Fair Banking, Anti-Money Laundering laws and regulations, Bank Secrecy Act and USA PATRIOT Act.Delivering exceptional customer experiences is at the heart of what we do at Bank of Hawaii. We listen, understand and deliver what our customers need to help them build a better tomorrow.We are an EEO / AA employer, including disability and veterans. For Bank of Hawaii's full EEO statement, please visit https : / / www.boh.com / careers .#J-18808-Ljbffr