VP, Corporate Attorney

Farm Credit of Southern Colorado (FCSC) is seeking a VP, Corporate Attorney to join our team. The chosen candidate will be responsible for providing legal counsel, advice, analysis, and support on a wide range of matters in order to protect the Association’s legal interests.

This position is full time, working approximately 40 hours a week, and is benefits eligible. Occasional travel may be required to sufficiently support other locations within territory.

Organizational Information

At Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, we believe in creating a culture where teammates enjoy coming to work and feel included. We live this every day by enacting our FIRST principles, Fun, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Trust. Our commitment to our employees has earned Farm Credit of Southern Colorado recognition by the Colorado Springs Gazette a Best Place to Work for the past 3 years. Come join us in Colorado Springs, ranked No. 3 in US News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Place to Live survey

As one of the Farm Credit System’s associations, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado is a robust organization serving its member/owners in 31 counties throughout Southern Colorado. With over $1.6 billion in assets, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado’s approximately 100 staff members bring strength to its shareholders and communities. Farm Credit of Southern Colorado is a member-owned cooperative that provides a wide range of financial products and risk management services for agricultural producers, agribusinesses, land owners and rural homeowners. 

Today, the Farm Credit System is one of the strongest, most financially sound lending institutions in the U.S. Its 59 institutions serve our country’s farmers and ranchers, rural America, and agribusiness.  

Position Summary: 

The VP, Corporate Attorney provides legal counsel, advice, analysis, and support on a wide range of matters in order to protect the Association’s legal interests. The VP, Corporate Attorney educates members of the leadership team in legal and compliance matters and effectively manages and resolves legal issues that confront the organization.

Responsibilities:

Advice and Counsel

• Provides legal advice to Association management and employees on business matters, including matters related to: Farm Credit Administration Act and regulations, borrower and loan eligibility, lending compliance matters, commercial law and contracts, employment matters, corporate law, real estate, bankruptcy, and data and system security
• Weighs legal liability and risks against business costs and opportunities and advises Association management and employees on business activities
• Interprets legal and regulatory changes and provides advice
• Advises the Board on the annual Standards of Conduct (SOC) reporting process and determines if SOC reports meet regulatory requirements
• Recommends Association position on state and federal legislative issues and serves as the primary legislative contact for the association
• Updates the Board and committees on Association legal activities

Legal Compliance and Training 

• Identifies, researches and resolves legal, policy and compliance issues 
• Reviews recently enacted laws and regulations and identifies actions necessary to achieve compliance
• Ensures bylaws, resolutions, policies, agreements, forms and communications are compliant with legal obligations and sound business practices to minimize risk 
• Writes reports and legal opinions
• Answers questions and provides guidance and training to Association employees on legal and compliance topics

Contracts

• Negotiates and drafts legal documents and agreements with employees and third parties
• Negotiates or supports business negotiations on contract provisions 
• Identifies and communicates legal issues related to Association contracts with vendors, third party servicers and others
• Provides post-execution consultation with Association employees regarding the interpretation, enforcement and termination of contracts

Association Standards of Conduct Liaison

• Works as a liaison between external Standards of Conduct Official and association employees, answering questions as appropriate or referring to the SOCO when necessary
• Coordinates, tracks and maintains annual Standard of Conduct disclosures, Codes of Ethics and association and board training in these areas

Litigation 

• Monitors and manages litigation of varying types including foreclosure, bankruptcy, estate claims and other collection actions, condemnations, etc.
• Provides advice on litigation strategy and settlements
• Drafts agreements, pleadings, collection and other documents as needed

Minimum Qualifying Characteristics: 

• Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association accredited law school
• 5+ years of experience in a law firm or corporate law department in the banking industry. Background or experience in agriculture preferred.
• Active license to practice law in the state of Colorado
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws regarding creditor’s rights, contracts, real estate, the Uniform Commercial Code, employment and employment discrimination, bankruptcy, and business and commercial litigation
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws and compliance requirements within the financial industry and relevant to the Association, including the Farm Credit Act and Farm Credit Administration regulations
• Working knowledge of commercial loan documentation
• High level of integrity
• Strong attention to detail and high accuracy
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Skill to identify, analyze and research complex legal and business issues
• Skill in exercising sound legal and business judgment in a decisive and timely manner
• Skill in developing and maintaining good interpersonal relationships when dealing with complex issues 
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate complex topics to a variety of audiences and to draft legal documents.

Farm Credit of Southern Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace and offers a great work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

The following information is disclosed in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Similar positions applied for outside of Colorado will not necessarily receive the same compensation. 

Salary Range: $150,000 to $190,000.

This range is a good-faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of this posting. Actual salaries could vary and may be above or below the range as permitted by Colorado Equal Pay Transparency Rule 4.1.2. Variation is based on various factors including but not limited to location, qualifications, experience, operational needs and other considerations permitted by law. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions. In addition, benefits for this position include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401k, tax advantage accounts, paid vacation, sick leave and parental leave.  

FINAL DATE FOR APPLICATION: Until the position is filled.