The General Counsel of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks (Council) serves as the chief legal officer for the Council. The General Counsel reports directly to the Council President and CEO, and provides legal advice and assistance to the CEO and Council staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advisory and Support Role to Leadership

1. Identifying Potential Legal Issues: Recognize potential legal concerns related to Council matters and provide recommendations to the CEO and Council staff.
2. Advising the Council’s Board and Committees: Offer legal advice and recommendations on Council-related matters to the Board of Representatives, standing committees, the Bank Presidents’ Conference, and its committees, as requested by the CEO.
3. Attending and Supporting Key Meetings: Under CEO direction, attend and provide legal support at meetings including:
• Council Board of Representatives and Committee meetings
• FHLBank Presidents’ Conference Meetings
• Other FHLBank System meetings
• Meetings with Administration, Congressional, and regulatory officials
• Other Council meetings with outside groups
4. Engagement with External Organizations: Work with legal representatives from trade associations and other external entities to support Council policy objectives, as directed by the CEO.

Policy Coordination and Legal Position Development

1. Collaborating with FHLBank Counsel: Partner with the FHLBank Counsel Committee to develop and coordinate Council legal and public policy positions.
2. Coordinating with Individual FHLBanks: Engage with general counsels and attorneys from individual FHLBanks on matters impacting both the Council and their banks.

Document Preparation and Legal Drafting

1. Drafting Legal Documents: Provide legal drafting assistance, including:
• Congressional testimony
• Draft legislation
• Regulatory comments
• Other documents for Council matters
2. Reviewing Council Contracts and Documents: Conduct legal review of Council contracts and other documents to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Risk Management and Compliance

1. Legal Risk Management and Compliance: Advise the Council on legal risk management and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
2. Ensuring Governance Consistency: Collaborate with the CEO and Council staff to ensure the Council’s operations adhere to the Council’s Articles, Bylaws, and established governance procedures.

Oversight of Legal Resources and Litigation Management

1. Overseeing Outside Legal Consultants: Retain and manage outside legal consultants as authorized by the CEO, and coordinate their work.
2. Managing Litigation: In cases of litigation involving the Council, oversee and manage litigation on behalf of the Council and coordinate with any retained outside attorneys.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to a state bar in good standing.

Minimum of ten years of legal experience with a focus in general corporate, administrative, or commercial law, ideally including substantial experience in financial services or related public policy.

Expertise in financial services public policy or a comparable field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates strong knowledge of corporate governance and regulatory frameworks.

About Council of FHLBanks

The Council of Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) is the public voice of the FHLBank System. Incorporated in 1998, the non-profit trade association is based in Washington, D.C. The Council’s primary function is to represent the positions and views of the Council’s members to Washington policymakers. The Council consists of director and officer representatives of all 11 FHLBanks. Each member bank may name up to three individuals to sit on the Council’s Board of Representatives. The council’s mission is spelled out in its articles of association. The objectives of the council are as follows: To encourage and promote cooperation and consensus building among the FHLBanks so that their common legislative and regulatory interests may best be served. To promote enactment of laws or regulations beneficial to, oppose laws or regulations detrimental to the FHLBanks, and obtain such research as is necessary for such promotion or opposition. To enhance Washington opinion leaders’ – including members of Congress and their staffs, executive departments, regulators and trade associations – and the financial media’s awareness and understanding of the FHLBanks.

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