Corporate Counsel

Under direction of the Legal Division Manager, this position performs advanced legal work and is responsible for rendering legal advice to all levels of management on high-value, high-risk, and highly-sensitive issues; implementing the Company’s legal risk management program; interpreting laws and regulations; preparing, negotiating and interpreting complex legal documents; assisting with the negotiation and documentation of complex, high-value vendor and revenue contracts; selecting and directing outside attorneys; supervising the Company’s involvement with dispute resolution, civil litigation and responses to regulatory inquiries; and assisting with business development, corporate communications and government relations.  This position has extensive latitude to use initiative and independent professional judgment.

*Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the state of Hawaii

• Provides counsel on company policies, and compliance with state, local and federal laws, on all aspects of financial institutions law and corporate compliance
• Performs research and provides advice related to proposed business initiatives
• Analyzes proposed legislation and formulate responses and coordinate lobbying effort with trade groups
• Reviews changes in laws and regulations, and advises business units which may be affected
• Assists in the development of internal and external messages related to disputes, legal issues and media inquiries
• Counsels on employee disputes, benefits, and potential disciplinary actions
• Advises on interpretation/implementation of complex trust, estate planning and retirement fund documents
• Provides training to compliance officers and business unit management on legal risk, compliance and legislative developments
• Counsels on the differences between legal requirements in Hawaii and the other jurisdictions in which BOH operates
• Engages management and staff in information-sharing, team-building and consensus development related to legal risk identification, avoidance and remediation
• Handles complex high-value/highly-sensitive projects, drafts sophisticated legal documents, and assists in the development and implementation of corporate policies
• Drafts, edits and reviews legally-compliant customer agreements and disclosures for products and services
• Provides legal support in the drafting, negotiation and administration of vendor and revenue-producing contracts
• Reviews, revises, negotiates and provides legal support in administering sales, leases, subleases, and other dispositions of Company real property
• Reviews/revises lending, leasing, subordination, securitization, trust, corporate treasury and other documents for business units
• Assists in the preparation and review of BOH’s SEC and other public filings
• Prepares, reviews and edits bank regulatory filings (e.g., branch openings, operating subsidiary formation, and mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.)
• Serves as an advocate for BOH in complex high-stakes/highly-sensitive disputes and regulatory investigations
• Supervises/participates in investigations of alleged misconduct by officers and employees.  Assures that appropriate evidence is gathered and preserved
• Responds to inquiries, investigations and complaints from customers, attorneys, and regulators.
• Assesses the legal, reputational and other risks posed by claims.  Advocates BOH’s position in negotiating resolution of disputes with customers, regulators and vendors
• Proactively directs/coordinates lawsuits, administrative hearings and other legal proceedings in which BOH becomes involved.  Advances BOH’s legal rights by the initiating and pursuing lawsuits, administrative hearings, arbitration cases, appeals and other proceedings.  Recommends outside litigation counsel to represent BOH in coordinating activities as appropriate
• Reviews and revises legal briefs, motions and memoranda prepared by outside litigation counsel
• Appears at depositions and court proceedings as legal counsel for the Bank and its employees
• Protects BOH’s trademarks and service marks by assuring proper registration, maintenance and defense of marks at the state and federal levels
• Serves as legal risk management representative on senior-level management committees
• Serves as an officer or director of Bank subsidiaries
• Manages the activities and work responsibilities of the paralegal and support staff
• Responsible for selecting outside attorneys for non-litigation matters, and supervising the work they perform for BOH. 
• Performs all other miscellaneous responsibilities and duties as assigned

• Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.  Must be a member in good standing of the Hawaii State Bar.
• Minimum of ten years of work experience in the practice of banking, corporate, commercial law or related areas with a law firm, corporation or government agency, or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers in a networked environment and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or similar software. Knowledge of or ability to use Bank software and systems.
• This position requires a high level of legal expertise and judgment.  Demonstrated ability to be forward-thinking and creative, with the confidence to present and advocate for the implementation of ideas.  Must be able to independently assume responsibility for the successful completion of complex legal projects or cases involving substantial consequences and/or expenditures. Excellent communications skills, particularly to assist a non-legal audience in understanding complex legal and regulatory requirements.  Outstanding client management skills, with an ability to inspire confidence and trust with individuals working in a variety of disciplines. Good judgment, initiative and the ability to plan and carry out complex projects. Business-oriented approach to problem-solving, tempered by an appreciation for legal complexity and risk.  Clear understanding and adherence to ethical principles, Company values, code of conduct and policies.  Demonstrated ability to make and stick to tough and potentially unpopular decisions. Able to work flexible hours including holidays, weekends and evenings as needed or assigned. Must be able to provide own transportation or to operate a vehicle with a valid driver’s license, and commute as required.  Travels by air as required.  Lifts, moves carries and transports items up to 20 lbs.

As a Bank of Hawaii employee, you ensure (or assist with ensuring) compliance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory requirements and Bank policies and procedures, including but not limited to those related to Fair Banking, Anti-Money Laundering laws and regulations, Bank Secrecy Act and USA PATRIOT Act.

Delivering exceptional customer experiences is at the heart of what we do at Bank of Hawaii.  We listen, understand and deliver what our customers need to help them build a better tomorrow.

We are an EEO/AA employer, including disability and veterans.  For Bank of Hawaii's full EEO statement, please visit https://www.boh.com/careers.