General Counsel

First Interstate

General Counsel leading legal strategy for First Interstate Bank, a regional banking institution. Overseeing regulatory compliance, governance, litigation, board operations, and a legal team.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeBillings • Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New York, Oregon, South Dakota • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $330,000 - $550,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive legal expertise with a JD from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law, providing strategic legal guidance to financial institutions while ensuring compliance with federal and state banking laws. Proven leadership in managing legal teams and overseeing complex legal matters, including litigation and regulatory compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

JD From An Accredited Law SchoolActive License To Practice Law10+ Years Legal Practice ExperienceStrategic Legal AdviceSpecialized Knowledge Of Banking Laws

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ComplianceLitigation ManagementRegulatory ComplianceGovernance Best PracticesContract NegotiationLegal ResearchRisk ManagementInternal InvestigationsBoard GovernanceStakeholder Management

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsStrategic ThinkingExcellent JudgmentLeadership Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Law License

Industry Keywords

Banking LawFederal RegulationsState RegulationsCorporate GovernanceEthics ComplianceFinancial InstitutionsGovernment RelationsRisk AssessmentLegal EthicsCompliance Framework

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as chief legal officer and provide strategic legal guidance on all legal-related matters
Ensure the bank operates in compliance with federal and state banking laws
Advise executive management, the Holding Company's and Bank's Boards of Directors, and board committees
Serve as Corporate Secretary to the Holding Company's and Bank's Boards of Directors
Advise the Company, directors, and senior leaders on governance best practices
Oversee all legal advice to the Holding Company and Bank
Manage company-wide litigation and outside counsel relationships
Monitor legal costs and control spending while achieving positive outcomes
Develop initiatives to enhance legal and regulatory compliance
Oversee the government relations function
Oversee preparation of board books, resolutions, and minutes
Monitor and interpret changes in applicable federal, state, and local law
Oversee internal investigations involving legal and ethical matters
Partner with Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit to maintain a strong compliance framework
Partner with Risk on regulatory exams, findings, and enforcement actions
Serve as Insider Trading Officer and Ethics Officer
Lead a team of legal professionals
Conduct performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and candidate interviews

Requirements

What you’ll need

JD from an accredited law school required
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction upon hire required
Active license to practice law in the state where the individual's office will be located within 180 days required
10+ years of prior in-house or law firm legal practice experience advising financial institutions required
10+ years of experience advising financial institutions on federal and state regulatory matters preferred
Proven track record providing strategic legal advice at a senior level
Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Specialized knowledge of laws impacting the banking industry
Strong business acumen and strategic thinking
Excellent judgment, integrity, and discretion
Ability to manage multiple priorities and high-risk issues
Proven leadership and stakeholder-management skills
Regular and predictable attendance required
Travel as needed
Must pass pre-employment screenings including a background check
Must verify identity and employment eligibility through E-Verify

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid federal holidays
Student debt employer repayment program
401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match
Annual discretionary cash bonuses
Annual discretionary stock bonuses
Medical benefits
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
Short-term disability benefits
Long-term disability benefits
Life insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Health savings account
Employee assistance program
Approximately 18 days of PTO per year for new hires, inclusive of paid sick time
Up to 11 paid Federal holidays
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities