Consumer Lending VP Counsel

Description

Citizens is seeking a driven, results‑focused attorney to join our Legal team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment supporting Consumer Deposits, Retail, Payments, and Digital functions. This role begins with close partnership alongside senior attorneys, with the expectation of developing into a key legal expert in designated areas. Citizens is a top‑fifteen U.S. consumer bank, offering long-term mobility and growth opportunities.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to consumer deposit, retail, payments, digital operations, customer service, and complaint resolution teams.
• Partner closely with senior attorneys, leadership, and cross-functional teams on new initiatives, escalated customer matters, and problem-solving.
• Research, analyze, and deliver clear legal advice on compliance and regulatory considerations for existing and emerging financial products.
• Support strategic planning, internal audits, regulatory examinations, contract interpretation/negotiation, and dispute resolution.
• Stay current on relevant laws, regulatory trends, and developments impacting areas of responsibility.

Required Skills & Capabilities

• Strong legal research and analysis skills across consumer financial regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly, challenge the status quo appropriately, and provide business-friendly guidance.
• Strong judgment with the ability to navigate ambiguity and see matters through to completion.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to look beyond immediate issues.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment; calm under pressure.
• Highly collaborative, positive, and team-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a law firm or in-house legal environment.
• Familiarity with: 
  • Reg DD, Reg CC, ECOA, FCRA, GLBA, E‑Sign, UDAAP
  • Regulation E, NACHA rules, ACH
  • Bank branch operations and payments processes

Education & Credentials

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent required.
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
• Strong academic credentials.

Pay Transparency 

The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.   

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits.

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Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.