Assistant General Counsel

Summary: The Assistant General Counsel will assist with legal business matters pertaining to the organization. The Legal Counsel will act as an advisor to and/or coordinate with external counsel on legal issues involving the organization’s regulatory compliance and other matters. The Assistant General Counsel will be responsible for upholding and promoting corporate values throughout their departments and with the entire organization.

Salary Range: The salary range budgeted for this position is $151,200/yr to $232,800/yr and represents the Company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The compensation offered to a candidate may vary depending on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. 

The Company also offers various benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(K) match. Other rewards may include annual performance-based bonuses and wellness days.

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a First Foundation Inc. position. Currently, we cannot sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an Employment Visa.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists the General Counsel (“GC”) in managing legal business matters pertaining to the organization. Will provide a variety of general corporate and commercial legal services to a number of in-house and outside clients.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements to protect the company’s interest.
• Performs day-to-day legal operations. This includes implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of compliance with the company’s policies and strategies to achieve organizational goals as well as every day law-related responsibilities.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with the company’s operations and transactions
• Advises on assigned issues involving the organization’s legal and regulatory compliance.
• Reviews legal data and, at times advise on appropriate legal action to be taken.
• Assists the GC in coordinating legal matters handled by outside counsel.
• Attend all committee meetings and accurately record minutes, documenting key discussions, decisions, and action items during meetings.
• Advise and collaborate with Human Resources on employment law matters, including employee relations
• Brings issues of import to the GC and/or appropriate executive and the executive responsible for the department.
• Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports the Bank’s goals and values; benefits the bank through outside activities.
• Assists the GC with strategic planning with respect to Legal Department activities.
• Builds relationships with and provides legal support to colleagues across all departments of First Foundation Inc. and its subsidiaries.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• 10 years of experience practicing law, 5 years of experience practicing in the legal department of a Bank or Financial Institution preferred. 
• J.D. from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials required.
• Sound judgment and professional discretion, along with a commitment to upholding, representing, and advocating for the company values.
• Experience in general corporate matters, including corporate organization and record-keeping. Knowledge of contractual law, regulatory matters, risk management, and litigation matters.
• Knowledge of state and federal banking compliance regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Skills

• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to situations.
• Solid research and writing skills.
• Ability to deal with complex problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations.
• Independent thinker who takes initiative and demonstrates an enthusiastic, service-oriented approach.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, and status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.