Associate Counsel

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

We are seeking a passionate and driven attorney to join Visa’s Legal and Ethics & Compliance group. As a key member of the team supporting the North America Sales and Client Management team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of payments.  Reporting directly to the Senior Managing Counsel responsible for this area, you will be at the forefront of Visa’s strategic initiatives and revenue goals in an ever-evolving and competitive payments ecosystem. Your expertise will be crucial in providing innovative and pragmatic legal guidance for complex commercial agreements with some of Visa’s most important clients.  In particular, you will focus on our Visa Direct, acceptance agreements, and other incentive and strategic alliance agreements with our leading U.S.-based clients.  We are looking for an organized, self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced, global environment who can work both independently and collaboratively to support Visa’s commercial goals in a complex, global environment. 

Primary responsibilities include:

• Leading contract negotiations of complex, U.S.-focused business transactions, including Visa Direct, acceptance and other incentive and master services agreements with traditional payment system participants like acquirers, merchants, issuers, processors, and fintech's
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documents and contracts, ensuring accuracy and alignment with company policies and objectives
• Engaging in extensive business dealings with Visa’s external client base fostering strong partnerships and driving mutual growth
• Drafting, updating, and managing template agreements and clause libraries to allow for a more efficient contract administration process and conducting regular trainings to sales account executives
• Providing day-to-day legal support and strategic legal guidance to Visa’s account executives responsible for managing U.S. client relationships, effectively balancing legal, regulatory, and reputation risks with the achievement of business OKRs and scorecard goals
• Reviewing and providing legal approval of external presentations and other written client-facing materials
• Coordinating closely with the global deal team regarding incentive deals with U.S. based clients that cover multiple regions, inclusive of the U.S., and
• Collaborating closely with internal subject matter experts and regional Visa attorneys to ensure comprehensive and seamless legal support that aligns with company objectives.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD, or PhD)
• Juris Doctorate degree with strong academic record from an accredited law school
• Current member in good standing of a State Bar with the ability to become barred or a registered in-house counsel in the state where this role is located.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or more than 2 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD)
• Licensed to practice law in the U.S. or eligible for registered in-house counsel
• 3 to 5 years' attorney experience, preferably in top law firm, in-house, or government environments
• Prior in-house experience preferred but not required including working with in-house sales teams and advising product teams
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements
• Knowledge of payment service industry required, and experience in payments, banking, corporate and/or commercial law preferred
• General knowledge of antitrust, privacy/data, IP and relevant banking laws and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to drive execution in a team environment, integrating legal advice and business knowledge while providing balanced advice regarding risks and benefits
• Strong people skills with proven ability to build strong working relationships with internal clients and work on cross-functional teams on complex deals
• Practical and proactive problem-solver, confident, mature, calm under fire, with a positive attitude
• Exceptional analytical ability, and excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills
• Strong and motivated work ethic accustomed to a fast-paced environment with the ability to work independently with limited day-to-day oversight

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 152,900.00 to 195,000.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.