General Counsel / Director of Trust
General Counsel / Director of Trust
Platte Valley Companies - Scottsbluff, NE
JOB SUMMARY:
This position will serve as both General Counsel and Director of Trust. This hybrid role combines legal expertise with leadership in trust administration.
As General counsel, oversee matters related to corporate governance, mergers and acquisition activities, compliance issues and employment. This position is responsible for providing legal counsel to the company on a wide range of legal issues including contracts, risk management, vendor management, policy review, and employee benefits.
As Director of Trust, supervise and provide leadership to the Trust Operations of the bank.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
GENERAL COUNSEL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
a. Consult on legal issues with senior and executive management, commercial advisors, tax experts, accountants and marketing staff
b. Analyze and summarize complicated legal documents including contracts; making suggestions for alterations of those documents
c. Assist in overseeing compliance and corporate governance issues
d. Keep informed of banking and affiliated business unit regulations and ensure that appropriate risk management strategies are in place
e. Develop the organization’s policies on industry-specific issues, corporate governance or regulatory affairs
f. Research and analyze the law on complex issues and write briefs for submission to executives of the organization
g. Coordinate and manage outside counsel and litigation to ensure effectiveness and alignment of outside counsel with company objectives
h. Advise on employment and benefit matters and provide proactive guidance for compliance
i. Negotiate with outside parties on contractual issues and legal disputes, including settlement conferences
j. Anticipate and mitigate potential legal problems within the organization and develop strategies to avoid costly litigation and reduce potential areas of risk.
k. Develop and communicate policies and procedures for the company’s standard of legal and ethical conduct
l. Participate with the executive team in strategic planning, human resources and benefits discussions and risk management
DIRECTOR OF TRUST ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
a. Communicate with outside attorneys regarding potential estate and trust documents that relate to the bank’s trust department
b. Initiate all Trust department business development activities consistently calling on legal, accounting and other appropriate referral sources throughout the Companies’ various locations to ensure growth of the department
c. Work with CO and WY bank Presidents and Community Presidents to develop policies, procedures, strategies and fees to further the presence of Trust Services in CO and WY
d. Lead the Board Trust Committee and the Trust Management Committee. Ensure that all documents are prepared for the Board Trust Committee and Trust Management Committee meetings
e. Advise Trust Officers, the Trust Management Committee and the Board Trust Committee on matters related to trusts
f. Establish strategic direction of the department
g. Supervise, directly or indirectly, those associates affiliated with the Trust Department
REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Juris Doctor (J.D) and State Bar License
2. Five years of experience in a law firm or corporate legal department
3. Experience in trust administration or a fiduciary services role
4. Three years of banking experience preferred
5. Strong leadership, analytical, verbal and written communications skills
6. Ability to work independently or as part of a team
7. High level of initiative and self-motivation
8. Strong presentation skills, excellent interpersonal and communication
Physical Requirements:
Light Work - exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Reaching, fingering, grasping, repetitive motions, stooping, crouching, standing, walking, lifting, climbing, kneeling, talking, hearing, pulling, pushing, thinking, concentrating and interacting with others.
Ability to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation which can be requested confidentially to the Human Resources department.
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
