*** Work Arrangement/Location: This is a hybrid position requiring in-office work three days every week. Ideally, the finalist will be based at the One M&T Plaza office in Buffalo, NY but it may be based in New York, NY, Paramus, NJ, or Washington, DC.

Overview:

Provide counsel and advice on complex legal matters affecting the organization, and work with senior leaders from various business lines and support units. Execute strategic direction, policies and guidelines for the Bank’s Legal division and represent the Bank with industry associations, government and regulatory bodies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform a variety of complex or specialized legal activities to protect the organization and help ensure it complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Lead all aspects related to the company’s litigation portfolio, including complex commercial, consumer, regulatory, class action, and other high stakes matters across all M&T and WT jurisdictions.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, delivering clear, business-savvy counsel on litigation exposure, risk, and dispute resolution.
• Define and drive a cohesive litigation strategy that protects the company’s interests while enabling innovation and growth.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of litigators and paralegals.
• Represent the company in key legal proceedings including depositions, mediations, settlement negotiations, and court hearings.
• Collaborate with leaders across Legal, Government Relations, Communications, Compliance, Risk and other business functions to align litigation strategies with broader company objectives and reputational considerations.
• Develop and implement streamlined and strategic litigation policies and procedures .
• Lead digital forensics, e-discovery, litigation holds and complex discovery.
• Develop and manage litigation reporting to the Chief Legal Officer and business personnel in relation to litigation cases and legal budget.
• Work closely with Legal Operations on reporting and presenting to various management and board committees.
• Work closely with the business, Risk and Compliance on regulatory investigations or routine examinations and report to our regulators on the litigation portfolio.
• Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.

Scope of Responsibilities

This position is responsible for providing analysis and counsel on legal issues for departments supported. Incumbent should be able to anticipate and guard against legal risks facing M&T, develop and recommend corporate policy and positions on a broad range of legal issues and conduct and coordinate legal research. This is a senior level position that requires interaction with senior and executive management on a regular basis.

Education and Experience Required:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• Minimum of 10 years' experience as an attorney or other relevant legal experience.

• Minimum of 7 years' work leadership experience, including experience managing direct & indirect reports.

• Minimum of 7 years of litigation experience, including litigation operations.  

• New York State or applicable state bar admission.

• Ability to identify legal issues, evaluate legal risks, and offer solutions.

• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, organizational skills.

• Excellent writing, analytical and verbal skills.

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Financial services/banking industry experience, including litigation experience, preferred.

• In-house counsel experience ideal.

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $182,808.10 - $304,680.17 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America