What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Counsel position at CardWorks/Merrick Bank?
This Associate Counsel is responsible for a variety of legal matters involving CardWorks Inc. and its subsidiaries (“CardWorks”), principally focused on Merrick Bank (the “Bank”), while providing guidance and advice that helps drive business decisions. Based in Utah, this role will have frequent interaction with other colleagues in the Legal Organizational Area, as well as business leaders across CardWorks. The role will focus on problem solving, interpreting consumer credit laws and regulations, transactional work, contract interpretation and negotiation, with a particular eye to organizational compliance with Utah law. The qualified candidate will be sought out on general legal matters and expected to provide subject matter expertise.
Essential Functions:
Demonstrate solid knowledge of the State of Utah laws and regulations applicable to financial services and banking.
Responsible for managing and/or supporting a variety of legal work, which could include regulatory compliance, consumer litigation, contracts, transactions and corporate matters.
Interpret and advise on laws and regulations that impact consumer credit and collections to help ensure that CardWorks is in compliance with all applicable governing activities in Utah.
Coordinate with the Bank’s department managers in the creation and adoption of appropriate policies and procedures to remain in compliance with Utah law.
Ability to explain legal requirements to internal clients having a wide range of experience and skill.
Support projects and initiatives from the legal perspective to identify and mitigate legal risk.
Coordinate and communicate with all levels of the organization to create awareness of the progress in departmental and organizational activities.
Supervise the activities of paralegal and support staff when needed.
Assist with compiling information and materials to be presented at meetings of the board of directors.
Education and Experience:
Member of the Utah State Bar: licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Utah is required. Additional state bar admissions, such as New York, would be a plus.
Seven to ten years’ experience in consumer credit (credit card preferred), payments or other financial services is preferred.
Summary of Qualifications:
Familiarity with Utah laws and federal consumer credit and collections laws.
Experience drafting, reviewing and amending contracts.
Experience handling or assisting with general corporate or transactional matters.
Experience handling or assisting with financial institution regulatory matters.
Eager to take ownership of projects and take on additional responsibility.
Eager to collaborate with others to get things done efficiently.
Creativity in finding ways to accomplish business objectives in a compliant manner.
Ability to strategically evaluate situations, troubleshoot cause and effect, and help implement change.
Ability to apply unfamiliar facts in an efficient manner and advise clients under uncertain conditions.
Execute all tasks timely with appropriate attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability and willingness to earn respect from colleagues and staff through the establishment and maintenance of upward and downward relationships.
