Corporate Counsel

Are you looking to make a significant impact in the financial services industry?

The financial services industry offers the opportunity to serve and positively impact the lives and well-being of others. Within the industry, a career in estate planning and trusts allows you to amplify your impact. We believe trusts are about love, family and the selfless pursuit of acting today to protect tomorrow – and should be central to every estate plan to help create enduring legacies. That is why we have made it our mission to simplify and democratize trusts to allow more advisors and families to ensure complete estate plans and create legacies of love.

Established in 2001, National Advisors is a premier independent trust company and a culture unified in purpose and mission to simplify trusts and create legacies of love for generations of families. To do so, we deliver complete trust services and are uniquely structured with both a national trust charter and a progressive South Dakota state trust charter to give advisors and the families they serve greater flexibility, customization and control of their estate plans. National Advisors is based in Kansas City and continues to position our brand for growth and leadership across the country.

Why join us?
We are looking for individuals who believe in the noble purpose of trusts – and want to be part of a movement that redefines trust services to help people protect their loved ones. We are a dynamic, collegial, and evolving culture that invests in top talent and rewards collaboration, curiosity and innovation. By joining National Advisors, you will become part of an in-house team with deep expertise, decades of experience, and a commitment to shaping what’s next for advisors, families, and our industry.

The Corporate Counsel will provide strategic legal guidance on regulatory matters, litigation management, and corporate governance. This role will focus on advising a South Dakota-chartered trust company and an OCC-chartered national trust bank, ensuring compliance with federal and state banking laws. The Corporate Counsel will also serve as Assistant Secretary for both banks, supporting corporate governance and board activities.

Regulatory Compliance & Legal Advisory

• Provide legal guidance on federal and state regulatory matters affecting trust banking operations, including oversight by the OCC, South Dakota Division of Banking, and other applicable regulators.
• Monitor and interpret banking and trust company regulations, including fiduciary obligations, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), anti-money laundering (AML) laws, and data privacy requirements.
• Assist in developing and implementing internal policies to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies and oversee regulatory examinations.
• Compliance with BSA/AML/OFAC-related laws and regulations as it applies
• within the scope of this position, including but not limited to, prompt completion of required BSA/AML/OFAC training.

Litigation & Risk Management

• Manage litigation matters related to the banks and trust accounts, including fiduciary disputes, contract claims, and regulatory enforcement actions.
• Oversee outside counsel in litigation and dispute resolution efforts.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide legal strategies to mitigate litigation exposure.
• Handle internal investigations and respond to subpoenas, legal notices, and enforcement actions.

Corporate Governance & Assistant Secretary Duties

• Support the Board of Directors and senior management by advising on corporate governance matters.
• Maintain corporate records, draft resolutions, and ensure compliance with governance requirements.
• Assist with board and committee meetings, including preparing agendas, minutes, and related documentation.
• Oversee entity management and legal documentation for the banks and subsidiaries.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar; preferably Missouri and Kansas.
• 5-7 years of experience in banking law, trust law, or financial services litigation.
• Strong knowledge of OCC regulations, South Dakota trust laws, and federal banking laws.
• Experience handling litigation, regulatory matters, and corporate governance.
• Ability to manage multiple legal issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in-house at a trust bank, national bank, or financial institution.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies such as the OCC, FDIC, or state banking regulators.
• Knowledge of fiduciary duty laws and wealth management regulations.