Counsel

General Description

The Counsel will provide legal services primarily focused on the handling, analysis, and resolution of extrajudicial complaints received throughout Popular and all of its subsidiaries, including advising internal clients on legal, regulatory, and risk issues arising from such complaints. The position requires close collaboration with internal business units to assess regulatory exposure, recommend corrective actions, and support compliance driven decision making. A critical component of the position is the preparation of high quality written legal analyses, recommendations, and correspondence, requiring exceptional drafting skills and attention to detail.

In addition, the Counsel will provide oversight of litigation matters handled by outside counsel, serving as the primary liaison between external law firms and internal clients. This includes coordinating strategy, reviewing legal work product, monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment with the Popular’s objectives and risk management considerations.

The Counsel may, as needed, appear as counsel of record in judicial proceedings or provide support in active litigation, including court appearances throughout Puerto Rico.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Handle extrajudicial complaints from inception through resolution, including legal analysis, issue identification, risk assessment, and recommended actions.
Advise internal clients on legal, regulatory, and compliance issues identified through extrajudicial complaints, inquiries, and customer disputes.
Identify, analyze, and escalate potential regulatory, consumer protection, or systemic risks arising from extrajudicial matters.
Draft clear, precise, and well supported legal analyses, responses, position statements, recommendations, and correspondence related to extrajudicial complaints and regulatory matters.
Work closely with internal business units, compliance, risk management, and other control functions to ensure timely, accurate, and practical responses to extrajudicial complaints.
Provide guidance on dispute avoidance and early resolution strategies to mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risk.
Coordinate with regulators, as appropriate, in connection with extrajudicial matters, examinations, or inquiries, under supervision.
Maintain accurate and complete records of extrajudicial complaints and related legal work in the company’s matter management systems.
Track trends, recurring issues, and root causes identified through extrajudicial complaints and recommend preventive or remedial measures.
When required, support judicial litigation matters, including:
- Appearing as counsel of record in court proceedings under supervision;
- Assisting with factual investigations, legal research, and drafting of pleadings or motions;
- Coordinating and overseeing outside counsel.
- Prepare internal stakeholders and witnesses in connection with depositions, hearings, or proceedings, when applicable

Minimum Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree from an accredited law school.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in legal practice with demonstrated exposure to dispute resolution, regulatory matters, consumer complaints, or litigation, preferably within a financial institution, law firm, corporate legal department, or government agency.

Certifications / Licenses

Active admission to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Admission to federal court is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks applicable to financial institutions and consumer protection matters.
Outstanding legal drafting skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, accurate, and persuasive written work tailored to business and regulatory audiences.
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to identify legal and regulatory risk from complex factual scenarios.
Ability to explain legal issues and recommendations in a practical, business focused manner.
Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal clients and cross functional teams.
Fully bilingual (Spanish and English), with strong written and oral communication skills in both languages.
High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with legal or complaint management systems preferred.
Ability to work independently while maintaining close coordination with senior legal leadership.

Important: The candidate must provide evidence of academic preparation or courses related to the job posting, if necessary.

Our hybrid work model benefit applies to certain positions and is subject to changes based on the organizational needs.

ABOUT US

Popular is Puerto Rico’s leading financial institution and have been evolving since it was founded over a century ago. From a small bank it has developed into a large corporation that offer a wide variety of services and financial solutions to our customers, with presence in the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America.

As employees, we are dedicated to making our customers dreams come true by offering financial solutions in each stage of their life. Our extensive trajectory demonstrates the resiliency and determination of our employees to innovate, reach for the right solutions and strongly support the communities we serve; therefore, we value their diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds.

We reaffirm our commitment to always offer essential financial services and solutions for our customers and communities, including during emergency situations and/or natural disasters. Popular’s employees are considered essential workers, whose role is critical in the continuity of these important services even under such circumstances. By applying to this position, you acknowledge that Popular may require your services during and immediately after any such events.

If you have a disability or need more information about requesting an accommodation, please contact us at asesorialaboral@popular.com. This email inbox is monitored for such types of requests only. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed exemptions or reasonable accommodations. Any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Are you ready for a rewarding career?

Popular is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vets
Learn more about us at www.popular.com and keep updated with our latest job postings at www.jobs.popular.com.
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