Description:
Our Company:At FirstBank PR, we strive to be a trusted advisor to our clients and our employees are the ones that ensure we deliver on our promise of excellence in personalized customer service. Our more than 3,100 employees in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Florida share a passion for excellent customer service. We are proud of our team because they are continuously surpassing our client's expectations.
Do you have a passion for helping customers, building relationships, and delivering extraordinary, personalized customer service? If your answer is yes, FirstBank is the number one place for you.
A Brief Overview
The Associate Legal Counsel advises and provides legal counseling and related support to the departments, business, operational, and administrative units of First BanCorp., FirstBank Puerto Rico, and its subsidiaries and affiliates in Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and Florida (the “Corporation”). This role is responsible for managing all aspects of ongoing litigation related to complaints filed against the Corporation before state courts and the Department of Consumer Affairs. Additionally, the Associate Legal Counsel provides strategic legal consultation to business units, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and notarizes documents as required.
What You'll Need to Succeed:
- Represent the bank in litigation and administrative proceedings before courts and/or the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Appear on behalf of the Corporation in judicial proceedings, hearings, and mediation processes before courts and/or administrative agencies in Puerto Rico.
- Conduct legal research on local and federal banking, commercial transaction, and corporate laws.
- Draft pleadings, motions, responses, and other litigation-related documents following thorough investigation and fact-finding.
- Prepare legal texts, including memoranda, based on legal research findings and recommendations.
- Collaborate with internal departments to gather facts, assess legal risks, and develop legal strategies.
- Provide timely and practical legal advice to business units on matters related to consumer protection and auto financing.
- Advise and support departments, business units, and administrative areas of the Corporation on legal matters.
- Review, draft, and negotiate settlement agreements and other legal documents.
- Review, revise, and draft contracts to be executed with third-party vendors of the Corporation.
- Draft responses to Threatened Litigation Letters and Customer Complaints, signed by an Attorney at Law, based on fact-finding and legal analysis to manage legal risk.
- Provide Notary Public services for corporate matters of the Corporation and its subsidiaries in Puerto Rico.
- Notarize documents in accordance with applicable laws and internal procedures.
- Maintain accurate records of legal proceedings, filings, and consultations.
- Monitor regulatory developments and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Assist in drafting policies and procedures for the Legal Department.
- Support the drafting of corporate-wide policies and procedures.
Competencies:
- Strong written and verbal communication for reports, presentations, in Spanish and english.
- Prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and coordinate resources effectively.
- Handle sensitive financial and personnel information responsibly.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office tools, banking software, data security protocols, and digital platforms.
- Respond to changing regulations, market conditions, and organizational needs.
- Understand and respond to internal and external client needs.
- Knowledge of laws, regulatory compliance and other financial regulations.
Minimum Requirements You'll Need:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Bar admission to practice law and serve as public notary in Puerto Rico.
- At least 2 years of experience in litigation, preferably in consumer affairs or financial services.
- Strong knowledge of consumer protection laws and regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
- Ability to manage confidential matters responsibly.
- High ethical standards and sound judgment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer