Description

Overview

Specialty finance company seeks strong candidate to fill the role of General Counsel.  Ideal candidate will have strong experience in finance industry or asset-based lending. Candidate will report to General Manager and work in close partnership with executive leadership and other senior leaders to shape legal initiatives that support business strategy

The General Counsel serves as a strategic partner with executive leadership. This role will be instrumental in shaping legal strategy, overseeing all legal matters such as drafting and negotiating contracts, maintaining compliance with all industry applicable regulations, as well as leading and enhancing risk mitigation.

Key responsibilities:

•          Draft, review, and negotiate Contractual Agreements, ensuring that all contracts align with company policies and legal requirements.
•          Offer legal expertise to credit and collections operations staff on risk management, recovery tactics, and compliance.
•          Maintain compliance in the area of collateral management.
•          Serve as advisor in regards to risks and implications of finance deals.
•          Lead and enhance risk mitigation efforts and proactively communicate and address potential legal risks.
•          Ensure enforceability of collateral and protection of security interests.
•          Coordinate and negotiate with clients and debtors on collection efforts and settlement discussions.
•          Meet with clients or debtors to clarify legal perspectives.
•          Oversee and collaborate with external counsel on litigation matters.
•          Provide training to the organization on legal topics and compliance.

Required Education, and Experience:

•          Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.

o   Undergraduate degree in law, business, finance, or a related field is preferred.  Advanced credentials such as MBA or LL.M. are considered a plus.

•          Licensed to practice law in Ohio and in good standing with the state bar association.
•          Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in secured transactions, financial services law, Article 9 of the UCC, with a focus on credit and collections, including experience maintaining compliance in areas related to banking regulations, securities laws, and corporate governance.  15 years or more is preferred.
•          Demonstrated expertise in corporate law, regulatory frameworks, and legal risk management.
•          Expertise in drafting and enforcing finance-related agreements.
•          Expertise in overseeing litigation management.
•          Deep understanding of factoring, commercial finance, or secured lending preferred.
•          Ability to comprehend complex legal issues and translate them into actional business advice.
•          Ability to analyze complex financial data to make a business recommendation.
•          Negotiation and collection expertise.
•          Leadership skills, coupled with collaborative approach.
•          Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•          Estimate that approximately 10% of time will involve out of town, overnight travel.

Additional knowledge sought:

•          Data Privacy laws
•          Employment Law
•          Mergers & Acquisitions

Compensation and Benefits:

•          Starting salary range  $160,000 = $235,000, plus bonus.
•          Paid holiday, sick leave and vacation.
•          Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
•          Life Insurance
•          Long and Short Term Disability Insurance
•          401(k) Plan
•          Relocation assistance will be considered for the right candidate

Employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.