Description:

*** Ideally, this will be a hybrid position requiring in-office work multiple days/week with remaining days working remotely and will be based at an An American Bank Holding Company office in Buffalo, NY, Paramus, NJ, NY, NY, or Wilmington, DE. Depending upon the location of the final candidate, the position might be remote.

Overview:
The Senior Associate General Counsel is a member of the Commercial practice group in the Legal Division of An American Bank Holding Company, providing legal counsel and support for commercial real estate financing matters for An American Bank Holding Company, a New York chartered bank. They will execute strategic direction, policies and guidelines for the Bank's Legal division and represent the Bank with industry associations, government, and regulatory bodies.

Primary Responsibilities:

Serve as primary Legal Department contact and legal support for Commercial Real Estate (CRE) business segment leadership.
Provide legal advice and guidance to clients/senior managers on commercial real estate (CRE) financing matters, including bilateral and syndicated lending, on- and off-balance sheet financing structures, and the real estate development process.
Serve as Legal Department lead on CRE-related regulatory matters.
Provide legal support and guidance within the Legal Department and the organization on commercial real estate financing matters.
Provide oversight and guidance on the Commercial Division's Investment Banking (IB) initiatives and transactions.
divisional/departmental matters, as appropriate.
Perform legal activities to protect the organization and ensure that activities, policies, business practices, and transactions comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
Develop and implement streamlined and strategic policies and procedures for the legal support of multiple divisions.
Make recommendations to senior management on how to respond to legal issues or proposed changes in laws and regulations.
Review and approve legal contracts, letters of agreement, and other documents.
Partner with Compliance, Risk and Audit groups to help lead divisional/departmental matters, as appropriate.
Prepare or review more complex materials for external legal counsel.
Build and develop the CRE/IR legal team.
Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.

Scope of Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for providing analysis and counsel on legal issues for Commercial Real Estate and Investment Banking departments. The General Counsel should be able to anticipate and guard against legal risks facing M&T, develop and recommend corporate policy and positions on a broad range of legal issues and conduct and coordinate legal research. This is a senior level position that requires interaction with senior and executive management on a regular basis.

Education and Experience Required:

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Minimum of 10 years' experience as an attorney or other relevant legal experience.
Deep knowledge of Commercial Real Estate and Investment Banking
Significant experience in representing financial institutions on commercial real estate financing and commercial investment banking initiatives and transactions.
Minimum of 7 years' work leadership experience with strong leadership skills.
New York State or applicable state bar admission.
Ability to identify legal issues, evaluate legal risks, and offer solutions.
Strong negotiation, interpersonal, organizational skills.
Excellent writing, analytical and verbal skills.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Preferred Skills/Experience:
Experience building, developing, and leading a team of two direct report attorneys.