Senior Commercial Counsel

About the role

Column is in the process of establishing a dedicated legal team to oversee the legal aspects of its significant commercial and strategic partnerships. This position focuses on developing innovative partnership frameworks that enhance modern banking experiences while addressing intricate regulatory challenges. The role requires close collaboration with the Sales & Partnerships, Risk, and Compliance departments to effectively shape deal structures, customer service initiatives, and the scaling of the platform.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of complex agreements, which includes drafting and negotiating contracts with customers, vendors, and third parties related to banking products, payment services, and banking collaborations (such as deposit accounts, credit cards, and lending solutions).
• Develop and sustain legal playbooks and templates that encompass contracts, terms of service, notices, and disclosures, ensuring streamlined and high-quality operations for the bank's offerings.
• Lead negotiations with rapidly growing fintech companies and large enterprise clients, striking a balance between achieving business objectives and adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with Sales and Business teams to gain insights into strategic goals and risk tolerance for each deal, thereby crafting effective and risk-conscious contracting strategies.
• Contribute to various legal areas as the fourth member of the expanding Legal team, including conducting research, providing product and regulatory guidance, managing examinations, responding to subpoenas, supporting litigation efforts, and overseeing corporate governance.
• Enhance the operations of the Legal team by acting as a strategic ally to both the business and legal departments, improving bank agreements, policies, and legal procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations while supporting the bank's growth initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes that may impact the bank's operations and partnerships, providing proactive legal advice to mitigate risks.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a strong focus on commercial law.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex commercial negotiations.
• Proficiency in independently drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, demonstrating a solid understanding of contract law and commercial transactions.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple initiatives for various stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse teams.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail in legal documentation.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with traditional commercial banking products and services, including ACH, wire transfers, deposit accounts, lending, credit cards, cash management, sweeps, and check issuance/deposit.
• Experience in structured finance or with lending products would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of money transmission regulations and compliance requirements.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in contract law and commercial transactions.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to analyze complex legal issues.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing banking and financial services.

Practical notes

• Candidates considering relocation are encouraged to apply; the company offers up to $2,000 per month in post-tax rent subsidies for employees residing within two miles of the office.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans are available, with options for 100% coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Family planning and fertility assistance benefits are provided, offering up to $20,000 in reimbursement through Carrot.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) options are available.
• A 401(k) plan with self-directed brokerage options is offered to employees.
• The company has a flexible time-off policy to support work-life balance.
• Paid parental leave is fully covered, with 16 weeks for birth mothers, 12 weeks for primary caregivers, and 8 weeks for secondary caregivers.
• Employees can receive up to $4,500 annually for backup childcare expenses.
• Catered lunches and dinners are provided for employees in the San Francisco office.
• Commuter benefits, including paid transportation, are available.
• The company hosts regular team-building activities and annual offsite events.
• Column participates in E-Verify in specific locations to ensure compliance with employment eligibility verification.