Senior Associate General Counsel - Wilmington Trust Lead Counsel (Hybrid) at M&T Bank

New York, New York, United States

M&T Bank Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Banking, Financial Services, Trust ServicesIndustries

Requirements

  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • Minimum of 10 years' experience as an attorney or other relevant legal experience
  • Minimum of 7 years' work leadership experience, including experience managing direct reports
  • Deep expertise in wealth management, fiduciary law, and institutional financial services
  • New York State or applicable state bar admission
  • Proven leadership and team management experience
  • Ability to identify legal issues

Responsibilities

  • Perform a variety of complex or specialized legal activities to protect Wilmington Trust and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, offering proactive legal guidance that supports business growth and risk mitigation
  • Assist with oversight of legal support for institutional services (including custody, corporate trust, fund administration, and securities services) and wealth management (including private banking, investment advisory, and trust services), ensuring legal coverage aligns with business priorities and regulatory expectations
  • Deliver expert legal advice on federal and state regulatory compliance, including Investment Company Act of 1940, Investment Advisors Act of 1940, ERISA, Trust Indenture Act, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), Uniform Trust Code, Uniform Prudent Investor Act, 12 CFR 9, and other banking regulations
  • Collaborate with Wilmington Trust business leaders to evaluate and structure new products, services, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and enterprise risk appetite
  • Support regulatory examinations and interface with agencies such as the SEC, OCC, and FINRA
  • Advise senior management on emerging legal risks, proposed legislative and regulatory changes, and strategic responses, providing clear, actionable recommendations
  • Partner closely with Head of Litigation for Wilmington Trust to assess, manage, and resolve legal disputes and mitigate risk
  • Work in close coordination with Compliance, Risk, and Audit groups to ensure cohesive governance and risk management
  • Design and implement efficient, scalable, and forward-looking legal policies and procedures tailored to institutional services and wealth management, driving continuous improvement
  • Prepare, review, and oversee complex materials for external legal counsel, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with internal standards and strategic goals
  • Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management, and terminations
  • Provide analysis and counsel on legal issues for Wilmington Trust, anticipate and guard against legal risks, develop and recommend corporate policy and positions on complex legal issues, and conduct and coordinate legal research
  • Interact regularly with senior management

Skills

Investment Company Act of 1940
Investment Advisors Act of 1940
ERISA
Trust Indenture Act
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
Uniform Trust Code
Uniform Prudent Investor Act
12 CFR 9
regulatory compliance
risk management
legal advisory
corporate trust
fund administration
securities services
wealth management
private banking
investment advisory

M&T Bank

Full-service banking for individuals and businesses

About M&T Bank

M&T Bank provides a variety of banking services to individuals, small businesses, and larger companies. Their offerings include mortgage assistance, personal and business checking accounts, and mobile banking options. The bank primarily operates in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, emphasizing community engagement and a focus on customer service. M&T Bank's business model is based on traditional banking practices, such as loans, deposits, and investment products, and it generates revenue through interest income and service fees. A key aspect that sets M&T Bank apart from its competitors is its commitment to community involvement, which includes allowing employees to volunteer and supporting local organizations. The recent merger with United Bank, N.A. has further expanded their services and market presence.

Buffalo, New YorkHeadquarters
1993Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Financial ServicesIndustries
10,001+Employees

Risks

Competition from fintechs could erode M&T Bank's market share among tech-savvy customers.
Integration challenges from the United Bank merger may disrupt operations.
Decreased prime rate could reduce interest income, impacting profitability.

Differentiation

M&T Bank emphasizes community engagement through its charitable foundation and volunteer programs.
The bank offers a wide range of traditional and digital banking services.
Recent merger with United Bank, N.A. expands M&T's market reach and service offerings.

Upsides

M&T Bank's $1.5 billion senior notes offering strengthens its financial position.
Decreased prime rate may attract more borrowers, increasing loan volume.
Shannon Lazare's appointment as New Jersey Regional President enhances local community engagement.

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