Senior Principal Counsel

Discover. A brighter future.

With us, you’ll do meaningful work from Day 1. Our collaborative culture is built on three core behaviors: We Play to Win, We Get Better Every Day & We Succeed Together. And we mean it — we want you to grow and make a difference at one of the world's leading digital banking and payments companies. We value what makes you unique so that you have an opportunity to shine.

Come build your future, while being the reason millions of people find a brighter financial future with Discover.

Job Description:

What You’ll Do 

Under the direction of a Director, this role involves handling moderately complex legal matters, in support of the Facilities, Corporate Transactions, and Strategic Investment teams. It includes leveraging outside counsel to negotiate real estate transactions, translating legal and regulatory advice into policies and procedures that govern supplier contract negotiations (while partnering with the dedicated procurement legal team), and negotiating agreements and legal documents in connection with strategic investment and potential M&A opportunities. In-house counsel experience advising clients across different departments and roles, such as business, risk, compliance, and operations, is preferred. Typically, the role is that of an individual contributor, but in some circumstances, it may functionally lead work group(s) or small teams to deliver desired work output in a direct or indirect manner. The role provides coaching as necessary to increase the effectiveness of others. Actively manages and escalates risk and customer-impacting issues within the day-to-day role to management. 

 

How You’ll Do It  

·       Exercises prudent discretion and decision-making capabilities to provide advice, direction and support to internal business clients, including risk, compliance, governance, government relations, and/or legal advice, as applicable to role, on new initiatives, business processes, contract review and analysis, training, corrective actions, compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures, litigation risk and issues raised in governance committees.

·       Identifies, assesses, communicates information to business clients related to emerging regulatory topics and best practices, and provides oversight and strategic guidance on new or proposed legal and regulatory requirements, emerging legal and regulatory risks and trends. Communicates effectively with clients, customers, leadership, committees, regulators and counterparties as applicable.

·       Manages resources, if assigned, including overhead, outside counsel and other budgets to achieve Law’s financial goals. Develops and supports others by communicating, fostering respect, providing coaching and feedback, recognizing achievements, and effectively managing employee concerns.

·       Continuously improves and adheres to required standards and processes to promote a risk aware culture and ensure efficient and effective risk management.

·       Provides advice, counseling, and training on moderately complex legal topics which may include one or more of the following coverage areas: Transactional, Payments, and Regulatory.

 

Qualifications You’ll Need 

 The Basics  

·       Juris Doctorate 

·       3+ years Legal experience supporting consumer financial services products and services, or job related  

·       Active law license in good standing  

 

Bonus Points If You Have 

·       5+ years experience involving transactions, risk management and development of new or improved process and procedures

 

Compensation:

The base pay for this position generally ranges between $100,500.00 to $170,100.00. Additional incentives may be provided as part of a market competitive total compensation package. Factors, such as but not limited to, geographical location, relevant experience, education, and skill level may impact the pay for this position.

Benefits:

We also offer a range of benefits and programs based on eligibility. These benefits include:

• Paid Parental Leave

• Paid Time Off

• 401(k) Plan

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Health Savings Account

• STD, Life, LTD and AD&D

• Recognition Program

• Education Assistance

• Commuter Benefits

• Family Support Programs

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Learn more at MyDiscoverBenefits.com