Location: Southern California
Industry: Banking / Financial Services
Company Size: 300+ Employees
Reports to: CEO
Compensation: Competitive Base + Bonus + Equity/Long-Term Incentives

About Us

We are a fast-growing, forward-thinking financial institution redefining what it means to bank in Southern California. With over 300 team members and an expanding presence, we offer innovative financial products, world-class customer service, and a people-first culture. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a dynamic and strategic General Counsel to join our executive leadership team.

The Opportunity

This isn’t your typical General Counsel role. You’ll be the chief legal architect for a high-performing, regulated organization that values bold thinking, collaborative leadership, and purpose-driven strategy. As General Counsel, you'll be a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership, steering legal and regulatory matters while shaping the future of the bank.

What You'll Do

• Lead Legal Strategy: Develop and execute legal strategies that align with business goals and support sustainable growth.

• Board & Executive Counsel: Advise the CEO and Board on governance, risk, regulatory compliance, and legal matters with clarity, confidence, and integrity.

• Regulatory Mastery: Oversee compliance with federal and state banking laws, OCC/FDIC regulations, CFPB guidance, and other financial services rules.

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate legal risks in product development, lending, operations, partnerships, and digital banking.

• M&A & Strategic Growth: Support strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, with legal precision and business savvy.

• Contract Leadership: Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and customer-facing documents.

• People Leadership: Build and manage a small but mighty legal and compliance team. Champion a culture of accountability, ethics, and innovation.

What You Bring

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and licensed to practice in California (or eligible for in-house counsel registration).

• 10+ years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in financial services or banking, including in-house and/or large law firm experience.

• Deep knowledge of banking law, including BSA/AML, UDAAP, Reg Z, Reg B, Reg E, GLBA, and Dodd-Frank.

• Executive presence with the ability to influence and communicate with Board members, regulators, and internal stakeholders.

• High integrity and sound judgment, with a practical, business-oriented mindset.

• A passion for growth, innovation, and making a positive impact.

Why Join Us?

• Mission-Driven: Help shape a better financial future for our customers and communities.

• Leadership Seat: You’ll have a real voice at the executive table—and the power to drive strategic decisions.

• Growth & Innovation: Be part of a transformative era in community banking.

• People-First Culture: Collaborative, flexible, and inclusive environment.

• Total Rewards: Competitive compensation, executive bonus, long-term incentives, top-tier benefits, and hybrid work options.

Ready to Lead?

If you’re a sharp, agile legal mind with a heart for service and a head for strategy, we’d love to meet you.