Legal Counsel

First Federal Bank of Kansas City is one of the largest mutually owned banks in the Midwest and has been a strong banking and lending partner to families in Kansas and Missouri for decades. We are a community-oriented, culture-focused, progress-driven Family on a mission to help people, businesses, and communities build a better financial future.

At First Federal, you’ll be supported by diverse, talented, energetic individuals moving toward a common vision of prosperity and a home for all. You’ll have boundless opportunities for growth – whether it’s personal or professional development to reach your career goals, company events to strengthen your connections, or volunteer work to champion our community partners.

Your success is our success. When our employees feel valued, our customers feel valued, and our community grows.

Hear what our team members have to say: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNPKmutbydo

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing legal advice to the bank, including in the areas of payments, vendor contracts, lending, retail banking and deposit operations. Working proactively and collaboratively with bank employees and leadership, the Legal Counsel will be the subject matter expert for all applicable laws, regulations, regulatory guidance and examination manuals and ensure that effective processes, controls, documents, training, risk assessments, reports and procedures have been developed, completed, implemented, and maintained. This position will provide expert legal advice on the bank's traditional lines of business, as well as support its banking-as-a-service/fintech vertical. 

LOCATION/WORK SCHEDULE:

The Legal Counsel will be assigned to the Corporate Administration Center in Leawood, KS and may be eligible for remote work opportunities. Generally, the Legal Counsel will be expected to work Monday through Friday during regular business hours. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures all policies, processes, forms, agreements, notices, letters, disclosures, and procedures used by the bank are in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory guidance, examination manuals and obligations to third parties.
• Offers legal advice on laws and regulations for all bank lines of business.
• Reviews, drafts and negotiates agreements with third parties.
• Supports the development and implementation of internal policies, governance frameworks, and best practices to ensure compliance with evolving financial and technology regulations.
• Provides legal support on disputes and regulatory inquiries involving financial institutions, working efficiently with external counsel as needed.
• Responds to inquiries from bank employees to address legal and compliance matters.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of existing and potential laws and regulations that may impact the bank and educate and inform management and the Board of Directors on legal risks.
• Develops key performance indicators (KPIs) and key risk indicators (KRIs) for all areas of responsibility.
• Risk assesses new business lines, third parties, strategies, systems, products and services and other changes identified by bank leadership and advises on ways the bank can maintain an effective compliance with applicable laws and regulations in pursuit of those changes.
• Ensures the bank retains records in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of regulatory agency priorities, recent enforcement actions and proposed changes to any applicable laws and regulations and provides updates to bank employees and leadership on an ongoing basis to keep the organization informed.
• Supports the Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) vertical through the development of a compliance oversight program for each fintech in coordination with the Vice President of Fintech and the Chief Risk Officer.
• Provides timely and accurate reporting of compliance activities as requested by the Chief Risk Officer for leadership, the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Assists in the coordination of, and preparation for, regulatory agency exams, audits, and reviews.
• Develops and maintains up-to-date procedures for all areas of responsibility.
• Other activities and functions as deemed necessary or appropriate by the Chief Risk Officer.
• Complies with all applicable banking laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act, and related anti-money laundering statutes; and, federal consumer protection legislation and regulations.

COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES:

• Conveys First Federal Bank of Kansas City's mission, vision, and values.
• Acts as a Team Player - Collaborating and supporting colleagues and peers across the organization, while still being able to work independently when needed.
• Results Oriented - Meets deadlines on assignments, manages multiple demands, and works with all layers of personnel up to and including the CEO.
• Problem-Solving - Effectively anticipates and evaluates problems and seeks alternatives while understanding how a problem and its solution may affect other departments.
• Focuses on the customer by understanding the business from the customer's perspective and by keeping regular contact with colleagues and peers to understand business priorities and issues.
• Committed to self-development and training.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent knowledge of financial institution lending compliance attained through five (5) or more years of progressive work experience.
• Excellent research skills and understanding of banking regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Be adaptable and able to meet deadlines on assignments, juggle multiple demands, and work with all types of individuals up to and including the CEO.
• Strong skills in negotiating, relationship building, problem-solving, and timely problem escalation.
• Detail-oriented but able to quickly grasp the big picture.
• Keep confidential information confidential.
• Attend outside compliance training to maintain compliance skills and knowledge and/or compliance certifications.
• Must be proficient in the use of personal computer systems, internet applications and electronic mail, and various Windows based software applications to include, but not limited to, banking application software, Word, and Excel.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Ten (10) or more years of legal and regulatory experience in financial services required.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Missouri required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:

Assists the Chief Risk Officer, or in their absence, to ensure the bank and personnel have the support, training, and tools needed to perform his/her responsibilities at their highest potential. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Assists The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Time will be spent in a bank office environment reviewing regulations and bank policies and procedures; and communicating with bank employees about processes. Must expect time for training employees on changes in bank regulations and any new laws pertinent to their jobs. Expect interruptions with inquiries from bank employees or external parties. Expect to sit in meetings with other bank officers reviewing policies and strategizing on the most effective ways to remain compliant. Some travel will be expected to other bank locations. 

Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities and requirements for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list.

First Federal actively seeks to recruit and hire protected veterans.

First Federal Bank is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected category.