Associate Director, US Legal Counsel

Purpose

Contributes to the overall success of the U.S. Legal Department with responsibility for managing and advising on U.S. litigations and employment matters, and providing legal advice, services and counsel on other litigation- and employment-related matters affecting the Bank's U.S. Global Banking & Markets business and U.S. operations.

Accountabilities

• Develops and implements specific case and overall litigation strategy for U.S. litigations, including employment and other civil, financial services matters, in collaboration with other members of the small, tight-knit in-house litigation team and senior management.
• Works closely with senior employment counsel, human resources and employee relations on a broad spectrum of employment law matters in the U.S., including workplace investigations, leaves of absence and accommodations, separations, wage and hour, reductions in force, internal investigations, compensation and benefits, contingent workforce issues.
• Serves as a resource to other members of the U.S. Legal Group, other corporate functions, and business units to provide employment and litigation risk perspectives and assessments.
• Remains up to date on regulatory and court decisions and recommends policy modifications based on changes in the law.

Lead and Drive a Customer Focused Culture

Leads and drives a customer-focused culture throughout their team to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge.

Understand Risk Appetite and Culture

Understands how the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in day-to-day activities and decisions.

Operational Efficiency

• Actively pursues effective and efficient operations of their respective areas in accordance with Scotiabank’s Values, its Code of Conduct and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML/ATF/sanctions and conduct risk.

Champion High-Performance Environment

Champions a high-performance environment and contributes to an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Law Degree/Juris Doctorate-required; Attorney must be licensed to practice law and a member in good standing in Texas and/or New York.
• Experience with employment matters
• Experience with civil litigation, related to financial services and/or employment
• At least 2 years’ experience as a lawyer in an in-house legal department and/or leading law firm
• Experience preparing legal documentation and pleadings required
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills required

Working Conditions

• Work in a standard office-based environment; non-standard hours are a common occurrence.
• Limited travel possible.