Counsel - Consumer Banking & Wealth

This is a hybrid role with regular days in-office each week in one of the preferred office locations (Raleigh or Charlotte, NC)

First Citizens Bank and Trust Company is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Consumer Banking Attorney to join its in-house Wealth legal team. This role will focus on providing legal support and strategic guidance to the Bank's consumer lending and private banking divisions. The successful candidate will work closely with internal business units, compliance, risk, and operational teams to support the development, implementation, and servicing of lending and wealth management products and services. In addition, the successful candidate will work across the Wealth business to provide additional support to the Broker-Dealer, Registered Investment Advisor and Trust businesses.

Why First Citizens Bank?

First Citizens Bank is one of the largest family-controlled banks in the U.S., known for its stability, client-first philosophy, and growth mindset. As a member of our Legal Division, you'll contribute to high-impact initiatives supporting our expanding consumer and private banking platforms.

• Broad understanding of Consumer Lending regulations (including Personal Real Estate financing, other consumer loans, deposits) - help guiding around regulations such as BSA, AML, Dodd-Frank, etc. Assistance in defining the business, regulatory and reputational risk is key. Experience interacting with banking regulators
• Provide legal support for private banking services, including secured lending, trust and wealth management offerings, and tailored financial solutions for high-net-worth clients.
• Understand State specific consumer product requirements
• Review and draft consumer lending documentation, disclosures, marketing materials, and customer communications.
• Monitor developments in federal and state banking, consumer protection, and privacy laws (e.g., Truth in Lending Act, RESPA, ECOA, UDAAP, Reg Z, Reg B, Reg X), and assess impact on lending operations and policies.
• Partner with compliance and risk teams to design and enhance policies, controls, and training aligned with legal requirements and business objectives.
• Support strategic initiatives, product development, and process enhancements from a legal perspective.
• Support examination and audit processes, including response to regulatory inquiries and investigations.
• Provide practical, business-oriented solutions to legal questions supporting product development and innovation.

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 6 years of legal experience, with a focus on consumer lending, financial services, or private banking, either in-house or at a law firm.
• Deep knowledge of applicable federal and state consumer finance laws and regulations.
• Excellent legal research, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and business judgment, with the ability to balance legal risk and practical business needs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across functions in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience advising on high-net-worth client lending solutions or private banking products.
• Prior experience working in or with financial institutions subject to regulatory oversight by the OCC, CFPB, or Federal Reserve.
• Familiarity with trust, estate planning, or wealth management legal considerations is a plus.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.