HTLF is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. We deliver community banking at scale by powering our geographically diverse group of banks with technology, efficiency and strength giving local decision-making the opportunity and insights to focus on customers and growth. Relationships have been the core of our company since its founding in 1981. We're deeply invested in the communities we serve, and that's why our clients choose us as their banking partners.
What's different about a career at HTLF? We believe our employees and their diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills are our greatest assets. We wouldn't be HTLF without the people with whom we surround ourselves and empower to enrich the lives of our customers, employees and communities. We're dedicated to making HTLF the best place to work where your opinions are valued, your feedback and ideas are heard, and your opportunities for personal growth and professional development are endless.
The Deputy General Counsel is responsible for providing high quality legal research & analysis, risk analysis, advice and counsel to internal clients; leading a team of legal department lawyers, effectively managing external counsel, serving as lead counsel for at least two lines of business, divisions or legal functions and providing subject matter expertise and leadership in each area of law assigned to his or her team members.
Primary Responsibilities
- Serves as lead counsel for at least two assigned lines of business and divisions by maintaining relevant subject matter expertise; provides practical, results orientated legal advice, manages internal and external legal resources, and effectively develops and maintains strong client relationships.
- Serves as the legal department subject matter expert for assigned areas of law.
- Manages and leads a team of legal department lawyers.
- Provides subject matter expertise and leadership for each area of law assigned to his or her team.
- Maintains effective partnerships with other company departments to support common client relationships.
- Provides legal advice and support for client projects and product development initiatives
- Conducts and coordinates research into a variety of laws, regulations and legal issues.
- Develops and recommends company policy and positions on legal issues.
- Monitors and provides regular client communications and education to the legal department, internal clients and company management on emerging legal issues and risks.
- Drafts, reviews, and edits complex contracts, legal memoranda, customer disclosures and documents, regulatory filings, client policies and procedures and litigation documents and filings.
- Effectively manages outside counsel and litigation strategy for assigned litigation matters.
- Completes annual E-Learning Plan and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) training as assigned and keeps up-to-date knowledge of BSA as it relates to the job function.
Secondary Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Management Responsibilities
- Works with department staff on individual professional development and career development opportunities. Facilitates team members in creating individual goals and development plans that align with the department goals.
- Works with Heartland Financials' Talent Acquisition team to identify and hire the most qualified and talented individuals to fill open positions.
- Provides information and on-going feedback to department staff regarding expectations and performance, salary adjustments and/or promotions.
- Addresses and resolves all performance concerns and issues in a timely manner.
- Prepares and conducts annual performance reviews within established deadlines.
- This position will have multiple direct reports comprised of Associate General Counsels, Corporate Counsels, Attorneys or Paralegals and will require the effective use and supervision of internal and external legal resources.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school required
- Licensed to practice law in at least one state, preferably Minnesota or Iowa required
- 15+ years experience as a practicing lawyer in a law firm or in-house legal department required
- 10+ years experience as a lawyer representing financial institutions required
- Demonstrable legal expertise in two or more of the following areas:
- loan documentation
- loan workouts and bankruptcy
- deposit products
- treasury management products
- payment systems
- trust company operations and administration
- employment matters
- corporate governance
- public company reporting and compliance
- corporate law
- mergers and acquisitions
- bank regulation
- vendor and technology contracts
- Working knowledge of the commercial banking and financial services industries
- Ability to efficiently oversee, supervise and manage external legal counsel
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to draft well-written reports, memoranda, general business correspondence, and policies and procedures
- Highly computer literate, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
- Agile and creative problem solver
- Collaborative partner with strong inter-personal skills and the ability to work effectively with team members at all levels across the company, including executives and senior management, business line leaders, and division directors and managers
- Ability to discretely handle highly confidential and sensitive information
- Ability to work independently and exercise excellent judgement
- Highly organized with a strong attention to detail
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Time Type:
Full time