Corporate Counsel

at  American Financial Network Inc

JOB SUMMARY:

As a member of American Financial Network, Inc.s (AFN) legal team and reporting directly to the Deputy General Counsel, the Corporate Counsel will provide comprehensive legal support and guidance on a wide range of issues relating to the operations of a national independent mortgage banker. Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to, corporate governance, contracts, customer disputes, litigation, agency and investor issues, and regulatory compliance.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Legal Expertise:

• Proficiency in contract negotiations, drafting, and review.
• Proficiency in commercial lease issues.
• Proficiency in employment law, wage and hour, and HR issues.
• Understanding of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and financial services law.

Analytical & Communication Skills:

• Ability to efficiently conduct thorough legal research and analysis.
• Strong problem-solving skills with an ability to provide practical legal solutions.
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to succinctly and persuasively communicate.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts to senior executives, business units, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to independently manage workload in a fast-paced environment.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active state bar license in at least one jurisdiction.
• A bachelor’s degree in a finance-related field is a plus. An MBA is highly desirable.
• 2-5 years of litigation or in-house experience.
• Experience in the real estate or financial services industry is a plus.
  Physical Demands*

While performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to:

• Sit for extended periods of time
• Perform tasks using a computer and peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor), with or without accommodations.
• Hear, talk, read, and write, with or without accommodations.

Vision requirements include:

• Close vision (computer monitor, paperwork)
• To perform the duties of this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform responsibilities and each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Reports To: Deputy General Counsel
Work Location: Remote
Wage Range: $85,000 - $140,000 depending on experience.

WHO WE ARE:

American Financial Network, Inc. AFN is a unique force in the mortgage market. We are one of the nations largest privately held mortgage companies with the resources necessary to compete on a national level with the largest publicly held banks. AFN maintains speed to decision, responsive communication and flexibility through its private ownership and flat organizational structure. We are a team of dynamic, visionary and opportunistic professionals that thrive on the utilization of teamwork and technology to outperform our competition. We are driven by a vision of being a market leader through creating the ultimate standard in customer service and being consistently better by always seeking new ways to improve.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Corporate Governance

• Advise on corporate governance matters to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Draft and maintain corporate documents, including articles, bylaws, board resolutions, and board minutes.

Contracts Review and Management

• Negotiate, draft, and review various contracts, including vendor, marketing, commercial lease, technology, non-disclosure, settlement, and other agreements.

Employment Law

• Provide guidance and support on employment law matters, including employee relations, benefits, and compliance with wage & hour laws.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing employment agreements and policies.

Customer Interaction

• Engage with customers and conduct any investigation or research needed to resolve complaints and issues.
• Draft formal responses to consumer complaints submitted through various channels, including those submitted to regulatory bodies, attorney generals offices, and online portals.
• Ensure customer interactions are handled professionally and in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Litigation Support

Support and assist on litigation related matters including, but not limited to:

• Manage, communicate, and coordinate with outside counsel.
• Handle all aspects of discovery production and subpoena requests.
• Present strengths and weaknesses of case, including potential settlements and resolutions, to AFNs Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel.
• Maintain litigation logs.

Regulatory Compliance

• Provide legal support and assist in efforts to comply with regulatory, agency, and investor guidelines.
• Engage with, and draft responses to, various regulatory bodies, agencies, and investors on compliance-related matters. Provide support as needed during regulatory audits and examinations.
• Assist in legal reviews of marketing materials and initiatives.

Legal Research and Analysis

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support business initiatives and resolve complex legal issues.
• Prepare legal memoranda and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.

Cross-Department Communication

• Work with other AFN departments to support business objectives and business initiatives.
• Interact comfortably with employees, management, and executives to address legal needs and answer questions.

While performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to:

• Sit for extended periods of time
• Perform tasks using a computer and peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor), with or without accommodations.
• Hear, talk, read, and write, with or without accommodations