Legal Counsel

Description Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides counsel to Georgia United's business unit personnel on a broad array of proposed, new, or existing retail lending and account products and services with a focus on consumer banking, consumer protection, mortgage lending, mortgage servicing, collections, and bankruptcy. Exercises independent judgment in routine matters, escalating complex issues to the CRO & GC as needed.
• Drafts, reviews, and revises various legal documents involving the interests of the credit union and its members, including Membership and Account Agreements, commercial contracts, and regulatory disclosures, with autonomy while seeking guidance for high-risk matters.
• Partners with outside counsel as needed to consult on consumer protection, litigation, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and commercial real estate issues, coordinating with the CRO & GC to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Remains informed of legislation, regulations, judicial and other legal developments, and trends affecting Georgia United, the credit union industry, and the financial services industry in general. Utilizes this knowledge to support independent decision-making in daily responsibilities.
• Analyzes and interprets laws, rulings, and regulations, providing recommendations and probable outcomes for the credit union. Demonstrates the ability to act independently within established guidelines and escalate as appropriate.
• Advises business units in partnership with the Compliance team on NCUA, CFPB, and other consumer regulatory compliance matters related to consumer lending, deposit products, or services such as Regulation Z, FCRA, FDCPA, FACTA, Truth In Lending Act (TILA), privacy, as well as applicable federal or state consumer protection laws and regulations, including Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts and Practices (UDAAPs).
• Performs other duties for Georgia United as assigned by leadership, demonstrating initiative and the capacity to work independently under senior oversight.

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects that are strategic in nature, time sensitive, and of high importance to the organization's success.

• Demonstrated responsiveness and ability to simultaneously handle multiple assignments, prioritize work assignments, and meet the needs of a fast-paced environment. Self-starter, motivated to undertake projects as needed without extensive direction.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, problem solving and writing skills as well as the ability to effectively work with all levels of employees and management.

• Ability to research, interpret, synthesize, and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to different audiences and make clear verbal and written presentations of facts or concepts.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the essential duties, responsibilities, requirements, and working conditions associated with the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all tasks or responsibilities. The organization may assign additional duties or modify existing ones as needed, at its discretion. Job descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect business needs and organizational changes.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, so long as such accommodations do not pose undue hardship to the organization or create significant health or safety risks.

Nothing in this job description should be construed as creating an employment contract, either expressed or implied. Employment remains at-will, meaning that either the team member or the organization may end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason not prohibited by law.

Georgia United is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering a workplace where all individuals have the chance to succeed. We consider all qualified applicants for employment and advancement without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,…