Senior Counsel

Columbia Bank

. Provide legal counsel and guidance under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel, emphasizing employee relations .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesSenior💰 $140,000 - $210,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in Employment Law and Litigation Defense, providing strategic legal counsel to financial institutions while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Capable of developing and executing litigation strategies, mentoring others, and fostering a positive corporate culture.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD)10+ Years Legal ExperienceCalifornia Employment Law ExpertiseLitigation Strategy DevelopmentCompliance with Financial Services Regulations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Employment LawLitigation DefenseCorporate LawRegulatory ComplianceLegal ResearchRisk MitigationPolicy DevelopmentContract DraftingAnalytical SkillsDecision-Making

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementProblem Resolution

Certifications & Qualifications

State Bar AdmissionBachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Financial InstitutionsBank Secrecy ActRegulation CCRegulation ECorporate ComplianceEmployment ActivitiesHuman Resources AdministrationCorporate CultureSecurities LawReal Estate Lending

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide legal counsel and guidance under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel, emphasizing employee relations
Provide legal interpretations and recommendations to management and internal Bank clients through memoranda and correspondence
Identify and communicate potential legal issues and collaborate on risk-mitigation and litigation-avoidance strategies
Advise Human Resources Administration and Bank managers on terminated, existing, and prospective employee-relations issues
Oversee active and threatened employee-relations litigation with Human Resources Administration and outside counsel
Develop and execute litigation strategies and appear as counsel of record when appropriate
Serve as the internal point of contact for outside counsel
Develop, draft, and update employment and workplace policies and procedures with Human Resources Administration
Monitor federal regulations, state statutes, and case law, particularly concerning employment activities, and serve as a subject matter expert
Provide guidance and assistance on active and threatened litigation arising from the Bank's business
Maintain compliance with bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required training
Maintain working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security, and other applicable regulations
Coach, mentor, train others, and teach coursework as a subject matter expert when requested
Foster Columbia's corporate culture and serve as a positive example
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree required
Juris Doctor (JD) required
10+ years of experience providing legal support and strategic advice to financial institutions or similarly regulated industries, with specific emphasis on employment law required
8+ years of experience with California employment law and litigation defense preferred
Admitted to practice in relevant jurisdictions; member in good standing of relevant bar association
Knowledge and experience with a broad range of corporate law, including Corporate and Securities; Commercial and Real Estate Lending; Operations; Compliance; Employment; Information and Security; Treasury and Investments
Broad understanding of financial services regulations and compliance with applicable regulations
Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, interpersonal, time management, and research skills
Strong judgment, decision-making, problem-resolution, analytical, research, and litigation skills
Ability to build effective relationships with business clients, attorneys, project managers, and corporate compliance professionals
Ability to train others and create, develop, and deliver presentations to small and large audiences
Must pass the State Bar Exam in one of the Bank's footprint states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas, or Washington
Occasional travel may be required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions
Employee assistance program
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Tuition assistance
Mental health resources
Identity theft protection
Legal support
Auto and home insurance
Pet insurance
Access to an online discount marketplace
Paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays
Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly
Performance-based incentive compensation may be available