** Work Location/Arrangement: This position requires in-office work four days every week and will be based in M&T Bank's office in Wilmington, DE or Buffalo, NY.

Overview:

Vice President, Associate General Counsel – Wealth Advisory Services Attorney

The successful candidate will be located in Wilmington, Delaware or Buffalo, New York, and will support Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory Services division (“WAS”), which provides trust and fiduciary services, including serving as trustee, executor or guardian, and investment management services for personal wealth clients. The ideal candidate will possess strong subject-matter expertise, sound judgment, excellent written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to partner effectively with teams across the enterprise. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and guidance on trust administration, fiduciary duties, complex fiduciary, estate planning and tax matters, as well as a broad range of fiduciary services
• Review and interpret trust and legal documents and conduct legal research
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, disclosures and other documents, including but not limited to release, settlement and refunding agreements
• Serve as legal counsel to various WAS fiduciary business committees
• Assist in the development of policies, procedures and template forms and participate in WAS business training as appropriate
• Advise on risk mitigation strategies and partner closely with compliance and risk management teams in assessing and advising on legal risk
• Serve as subject matter expert to assist internal litigation counsel and outside counsel with managing litigation relating to the WAS business, which includes managing outside counsel and providing advice regarding potential and threatened litigation
• Monitor developments in relevant laws, regulations and industry issues affecting the WAS division and participate in industry association meetings

Scope of Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for providing analysis and counsel on complex legal issues for departments supported. The incumbent should be able to anticipate and guard against legal risks facing M&T, develop and recommend corporate policy and positions on legal issues and conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues. 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 7 years of experience as an attorney or other relevant legal experience in trusts and estates including complex fiduciary administration and/or planning.

• Minimum of 5 years of work leadership experience.

• New York State, Delaware 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:

• Fiduciary in-house experience in a similar role or fiduciary litigation experience is a plus

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $184,400.00 - $307,400.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America