Sr. Legal Counsel, LMI

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JOB SUMMARY

The position of Senior Legal Counsel for Arch Australia will serve as the principal legal advisor in Australia. The role has primary on-site responsibility for all aspects of legal support of our Australian-based Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) operations, including providing legal, regulatory, and transactional advice and support for the LMI team on business operations, risk management, review and interpretation of commercial contracts, compliance with Australian law and regulation (including APRA and ASIC regulation) and Arch Group policies and operational guidelines. The role will also be the company’s representative for relationship with the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Australian Bankers Association (ABA). This role requires a strategic thinker with a good understanding of insurance law, the financial services landscape, and corporate governance.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Manage, oversee, and liaise with the business units regarding insurance matters. Provide the legal and regulatory analysis and expertise required to support current insurance clients, onboard new clients, and develop new products for the Australian market.

• Primary on-site responsibility for providing legal advice and guidance to the Australian Board of Directors and Executive Management and various departments on all legal matters, including compliance with corporate governance and operating guidelines, regulatory compliance, privacy laws and regulations, litigation, and contract negotiations.

• Actively engage with trade associations including the ICA, and the ABA to identify issues, develop positions, and actively advocate for Arch’s interests.

• Support the planning of legal and regulatory strategies and recommend or direct appropriate in-house actions for compliance.

• “First responder” for Australian-based mortgage team, including overseeing the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating all general business contracts, transaction documents, non-disclosure agreements and inquiries related to regulation and governance.

• Support the Australian Board of Directors, Company Secretary, and Executive Management in fulfilling their governance responsibilities. Oversee corporate filings, maintain corporate records, and ensure adherence to corporate governance standards.

• Identify and evaluate legal risks associated with business operations and strategic initiatives. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks and protect our interests.

• Assist Group and Mortgage Compliance by responding to ad hoc Australian law and regulation queries.

• Help Develop and implement company-wide legal policies and procedures. Provide training to employees on legal and regulatory compliance matters.

• Keep updated on the latest developments in relevant Australian law and regulation.

• Work with the U.S.-based Deputy General Counsel, Mortgage Services and executive management team to protect the mortgage business from legal and regulatory risk.
   

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of and experience in Australian insurance and financial services law and regulation, and corporate governance.

• Knowledge of and experience in drafting, reviewing, interpretating, and negotiating of insurance policies and commercial contracts, and legal transaction management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with business clients, attorneys, administrative staff, external regulators and insurance industry contacts.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with acute attention to detail and investigative ability.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and complex legal issues simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Education & Experience:

• JD or LLB from an accredited law school.

• Admission to practice as a solicitor in Australia.

Desired Experience:

• Five or more years of legal practice at a top-tier law firm or an in-house legal department, with a preference for prior experience in the insurance or financial services industry.

• Experience working with an APRA regulated insurer, reinsurer, or financial institution preferred.

• Strong preference for experience in the LMI or mortgage origination and secondary markets and/or experience in origination and secondary mortgage markets.

• Familiarity with Australian privacy laws and regulations.

• Experience in managing legal transactions and leading legal projects or initiatives across functions / business units and countries.

• Preference for experience acting as, or supporting, a corporate company secretary.

Working Conditions/Environment & Physical Demands:

• Normal office environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this Job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the Job.

• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

• Hybrid work schedule. In-office days to be confirmed.

Disclaimer

Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Do you like solving complex business problems, working with talented colleagues and have an innovative mindset? Arch may be a great fit for you. If this job isn’t the right fit but you’re interested in working for Arch, create a job alert! Simply create an account and opt in to receive emails when we have job openings that meet your criteria. Join our talent community to share your preferences directly with Arch’s Talent Acquisition team.

15800 Arch LMI Pty Ltd