Litigation Counsel

Overview

This is a hybrid role with the expectation to be in the Raleigh or Charlotte office regularly.
Preference will be given to candidates in the Raleigh area.

First Citizens seeks an exceptional attorney to join its Legal department as Litigation Counsel, with a focus on handling consumer and commercial defensive matters, conducting internal investigations, and advising on subpoenas, requests for information, garnishments, and other court-related documents.

This is a dynamic role requiring flexibility, collaboration, and a growth mindset. The right candidate will bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and adaptability to working on ideas across various disciplines. The ideal candidate is a pragmatic problem solver with litigation experience, sound business judgment, and the ability to balance risk management with business objectives. Experience in-house and ability to manage work independently are a plus.

• Independently advises and counsels on matters involving legal, financial, regulatory, and reputational risk. Handles pre-litigation disputes, demand letters and settlement negotiations efficiently and cost-effectively. May handle litigation matters, including court appearances on behalf of the bank, if appropriate. Advises business units on litigation risk avoidance, dispute resolution strategies, and contract enforcement. Serves as primary legal advisor on subpoenas, garnishments, and other court-related documents.
  
  Leads and conducts internal investigations. Partners with other attorneys in the Legal Department to assess and solve problems, and to identify and mitigate risk.
• When necessary, selects, retains and manages outside counsel. Supervises and controls outside counsel budgets, strategy and deliverables. Ensures alignment of external counsel’s work with institutional objectives and cost management policies.
• Prepares internal reports and briefs senior leadership on material litigation and trends. Tracks closely and provides regular periodic reporting on active litigation matters and pre-litigation disputes. Works with corporate finance and audit functions to develop risk profiles for cases and set legal reserves where required.
• Communicates directly in-person, by telephone, by video conference, and by email with bank officers, business leaders, and associates. Must communicate clearly, effectively, and politely.

Juris Doctor (JD) and Bachelor’s Degrees from accredited institutions and at least six (6) years of post-JD legal/litigation experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to resolve complex legal issues and provide quality legal services in a timely manner.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Interpersonal skills.
• Advanced organizational and multitasking skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Negotiation skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently but take direction as required.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Collaborating with others.
• Ability to manage outside counsel.

• North Carolina law license preferred but not required.
• Experience handling complex litigation in a leading law firm or corporate legal department, or equivalent experience serving in legal functions within the United States military or government.
• Experience in or with banking, lending, or financial services industry.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence, ethical conduct, and service leadership.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at