Position Summary
As General Counsel, you will serve as the Bank's chief legal advisor and a key member of the senior leadership team. This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to establish and lead the Bank's in-house legal function, providing strategic counsel on a broad range of legal, regulatory, governance, and business matters while supporting the organization's continued growth.
Reporting directly to our Chief Executive Officer, you will partner closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to manage legal risk, support corporate governance, oversee complex transactions, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The successful candidate will combine sound legal judgment with a practical, business-minded approach and the ability to build trusted relationships across the organization.
This full-time, in-person position is based in our downtown Austin office (600 West 5th Street).
If you're an experienced attorney who enjoys solving complex business challenges, influencing strategic decisions, and building a legal function that supports long-term organizational success, we'd love to hear from you.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Key responsibilities include:
- Serve as the Bank's chief legal advisor, providing practical, business-focused counsel to executive leadership and the Board of Directors on legal, regulatory, governance, and strategic matters.
- Partner with executive leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks, supporting enterprise risk management, policy development, regulatory compliance, and key strategic initiatives.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a wide range of contracts, agreements, corporate transactions, and other legal documents.
- Provide legal guidance on laws and regulations, corporate governance, employment matters, vendor relationships, real estate transactions, litigation, and other legal issues affecting the Bank and its subsidiaries.
- Oversee the Bank's corporate governance activities, including Board and committee support, governance documentation, and legal recordkeeping.
- Manage litigation, disputes, and regulatory matters, coordinating strategy and outcomes with executive leadership.
- Select, manage, and evaluate outside legal counsel and other legal service providers, ensuring high-quality representation, effective case management, and appropriate control of legal expenses.
- Monitor changes in applicable laws and regulations, proactively advising leadership on emerging legal risks and recommending appropriate actions.
- Develop and deliver legal and governance training for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and employees, as appropriate.
- Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team by providing strategic guidance that supports the Bank's long-term success and organizational culture.
- Other duties as assigned and/or taken on.
AM I THE RIGHT FIT?
We're seeking an accomplished attorney who combines exceptional legal expertise with sound business judgment and a collaborative leadership style. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, trusted advisor, and relationship builder who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys partnering with executive leadership to solve complex business challenges.
Specific requirements include:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- 10+ years of progressive legal experience, including significant experience advising financial institutions or organizations in highly regulated industries; or the equivalent combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job duties of this position.
- Demonstrated knowledge of banking laws and regulations, corporate governance, commercial transactions, contract negotiation, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience advising executive leadership and Boards of Directors on complex legal, governance, and business matters.
- Proven ability to identify and manage legal and regulatory risk while balancing business objectives.
- Experience managing outside legal counsel, litigation, and other external legal service providers.
- Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound independent judgment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience serving as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or Senior Counsel for a financial institution.
- Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, regulatory examinations, or other strategic banking initiatives.
- Experience working with a community bank or bank holding company.
why horizon?
We’re not just your ordinary bank - we have something special here at Horizon. Our charter dates back to 1905, giving us over a century of experience serving Central Texas. We pride ourselves on creating lifelong customer relationships and business partnerships and have a reputation for an unwavering commitment to our teams, our communities, and our customers.
Thanks to our diverse, energetic team, Horizon continues to grow and succeed:
- #1 locally owned bank according to Austin Business Journal 2020 Power Rankings.
- Top 40 community banks nationwide by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
- 2024 top 10 community bank according to American Bankers Association.
- 2020 & 2021 Thriving Together recipient for outstanding company Wellness Program. Learn more about our benefit package below!
We’re proud of where our teams have gotten us and can’t wait to see where you will take us next!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ON THE HORIZON TEAM?
Our commitment to our employees goes beyond base pay—it includes the tangible things like salary, benefits, and special employee programs such as training & development, wellness, and flexible sick time. Equally important are the intangible factors like challenging work, a community focused mindset, and the opportunity to grow professionally. We do not hire resources; we invest in people.
Benefits available to you include:
- Health coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Wellness Program that incentivizes you with premium cost savings
- Employee Assistance Program to help you with life’s challenges
- Basic Group term Life and AD&D to protect you and your family
- The opportunity to become a shareholder of the Bank through our 401k Retirement Plan
- Discounts on Pet Insurance
- Time off policies meant to support your work-life balance
INTERESTED?
This is a great opportunity to join a successful and growing organization. If you think that you could be the perfect fit, please apply now. Submit your resume and contact information for consideration.
Good luck and we look forward to hearing from you!
At Horizon Bank, we recognize that diverse perspectives and experiences drive innovation and success. We operate within a merit-based framework that fosters inclusivity and belonging, ensuring all individuals have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and thrive. We seek talented, qualified individuals for all career opportunities, without regard to any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Horizon Bank is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.