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Associate Counsel

Reports to: General Counsel

Starting Salary Range: $75,000 - $125,000

FLSA Status: Exempt | Supervisory Role: No

Why Join Us?

At Trustco Bank, we’re committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where our employees can grow their careers. We believe that our people are our greatest asset and consider our employees as family. We value each team member’s contribution and offer a supportive, collaborative work environment. If you’re a dedicated legal professional ready to make a meaningful impact in the banking industry, we invite you to apply and join our esteemed team at Trustco Bank.

We believe that investing in our employees means investing in the future of our company. As a valued team member, you will be eligible for a generous compensation and benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision insurance, a health savings account with an annual employer contribution, a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous employer match, paid time off plus 11 paid federal holidays, training and professional development programs, tuition reimbursement, reduced fees and rates on certain loan products, and much more!

About the Associate Counsel Role

As an integral member of our legal team, the Associate Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and external entities, ensuring Trustco Bank’s adherence to applicable laws and regulations. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this role combines regulatory compliance, transactional oversight, operational support, and limited courtroom advocacy, fostering the legal integrity and reputation of Trustco Bank.

Key Responsibilities

+ Legal Advisory and Risk Management: Provide timely, clear legal counsel to branch staff regarding powers of attorney, check processing (UCC Articles 3 & 4), electronic payments (Regulations CC & E), trust operations, and notary public issues.

+ Regulatory and Litigation Support: Handle oversee processing of legal process including subpoenas, restraining notices, garnishments, and income executions. Represent the bank in court proceedings, including evidence presentation, witness preparation, and trial participation—covering commercial claims and small claims.

+ Customer and Regulatory Relations: Investigate and respond to customer complaints, inquiries, and regulatory filings from agencies such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, various state departments of financial services, state attorneys general, and the Better Business Bureau.

+ Retail Lending and Property Matters: Provide support to retail lending function on title issues, lien priority determination, and other issues as presented. Provide support on branch lease agreements, landlord-tenant interactions, and tax certiorari proceedings involving bank-owned properties.

+ Insurance and Claims Management: Coordinate with insurance brokers and monitor claim processes, . Track litigation developments and communicate with insurers to safeguard the bank’s interests.

+ Legal Documentation and Enforcement: Draft and file Confessions of Judgment for overdrawn accounts, prepare demand letters, and execute legal actions.

+ Additional Duties: Engage in regulatory compliance, policy review, and miscellaneous legal tasks as assigned, supporting the bank’s operational excellence.

_This job description is not exhaustive; duties, and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. The starting salary range described is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Bank believes in good faith will pay for this role at the time of the posting. Individual compensation paid within this range depend on many factors including geographic location, an we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future._

Qualifications & Credentials

Legal Education and Licensing:

+ _Juris Doctor_ (JD) Degree from an accredited institution.

+ Admission to the Florida Bar in good standing (or eligible to practice under in-house counsel admission framework).

Professional Skills and Experience:

+ Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication.

+ Strong legal research and analytical capabilities.

+ Proven ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently and independently.

+ Familiarity with banking laws, Uniform Commercial Code, and financial regulations.

Additional Beneficial Qualifications:

+ New York State Bar Admission.

+ Prior experience in banking, real estate law, or regulatory compliance.

+ An affable demeanor.

Schedule

Full-time position:

Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Trustco Bank is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Hiring, placement, upgrading, transfer, demotion or promotion

• Recruitment, advertising or solicitation for employment

• Treatment during employment

• Rates of pay or other forms of compensation

• Selection for training, including apprenticeship

• Layoff or termination

It is the policy of Trustco Bank to cooperate to the fullest extent with the applicable regulations of the Civil Rights Act and any legislation on Equal Employment Opportunity.