Associate Counsel, Commercial - job 8 of 25

As an Associate Counsel, Commercial at Visa, your primary responsibilities include drafting, negotiating, and completing complex commercial agreements to support Visa’s issuer processing platform. You'll also provide legal advice to the business teams regarding commercial and contracting considerations, lead the review of marketing materials, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies. Working collaboratively with regional and global teams is key to effectively resolving legal issues and achieving business objectives.

To qualify for the Associate Counsel, Commercial position at Visa, you typically need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, coupled with several years of relevant legal experience, particularly in commercial law. Strong analytical, negotiation, and client counseling skills are essential, as is an ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. A keen understanding of compliance and the ability to collaborate effectively with teams globally will also serve you well in this position.

Visa is committed to fostering professional growth for its Associate Counsel, Commercial. You will work alongside experienced legal professionals who will provide mentorship and guidance. Additionally, Visa encourages ongoing education and training opportunities in legal trends and practices, allowing you to stay ahead of industry developments. Collaborating with a diverse team gives you exposure to various legal challenges, which enhances your professional skill set.

The work environment for an Associate Counsel, Commercial at Visa is both supportive and dynamic. You will experience a hybrid workplace structure that offers flexibility alongside in-office collaboration with your colleagues. The role is challenging yet rewarding, with an emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Visa promotes a culture of optimism and curiosity, ensuring that you will feel valued and engaged in your work.

An Associate Counsel, Commercial at Visa typically handles a variety of projects related to the issuer processing platform. These projects may include drafting and negotiating intricate commercial agreements, providing legal advice about product marketing and sales materials, and ensuring that all documentation complies with necessary legal regulations. You may also be involved in coordinating with external counsel to ensure high-quality service delivery.

In responding to this question, showcase your earlier roles that required drafting and negotiating agreements. Highlight specific examples where you successfully navigated complex terms and achieved favorable outcomes for your client or employer. Being able to discuss a specific agreement and the tactics you employed will demonstrate your hands-on experience in this crucial area.

When answering this question, consider discussing your method for assessing urgency and importance among tasks. Providing an example of a situation where you had to juggle multiple priorities will illustrate your time management skills. Mention any tools or techniques you use, such as task lists or project management software, and emphasize your adaptability in handling unexpected challenges.

In your response, talk about how you stay current with relevant laws and regulations, such as through ongoing education or professional networks. Discuss your approach to conducting thorough reviews of contracts and documentation, and how you work collaboratively with business teams to address compliance issues proactively. Mentioning a specific instance where your attention to compliance made a positive impact could strengthen your answer.

When addressing this question, recount a challenging scenario that required your legal expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. Detail the steps you took to address the issue effectively and the outcome of your actions. Stress the importance of clear communication and teamwork in navigating the challenge. Your ability to show resilience in difficult situations will reflect positively on your capability as an Associate Counsel.

To effectively answer this question, discuss your approach to building relationships with business teams. Highlight the importance of understanding their objectives and challenges. Provide examples of how you've contributed to team discussions, clarified legal considerations, and provided clear recommendations. This demonstrates your commitment to partnership and enhances your visibility as a valuable member of the team.

In answering this question, detail any relevant experience you have in reviewing and approving marketing materials from a legal standpoint. Describe your approach to ensuring these materials align with legal regulations and internal policies. Giving an example where your legal insight prevented potential issues will showcase your effectiveness in this area.

Here you should explain your experience working alongside external counsel, emphasizing your role in ensuring that expectations were met regarding timeliness, communication, and quality of work. Additionally, mention how you selected outside counsel based on their qualifications and expertise in the relevant area. Discussing a successful collaboration or project led by external counsel can further demonstrate your teamwork and project management skills.

When faced with this question, illustrate your collaborative approach to resolving conflicts. Discuss techniques such as open communication, active listening, and seeking common ground. Providing an example of a specific disagreement and how you helped facilitate a resolution will show your professionalism and ability to work effectively within a team environment.

In your response to this question, you should express what draws you specifically to the field of commercial law. Discuss your passion for navigating business complexities, advocating for clients, and how you enjoy the problem-solving aspect of legal work. Providing personal anecdotes or insights will make your answer resonate more deeply with your interviewers.

In addressing this question, explain your research methods, including resources, subscriptions, or networks you rely on to stay informed about legal developments. Mention any recent regulatory changes you adapted to and how they impacted your work. Illustrating a proactive approach to ongoing education demonstrates your commitment to excellence as an Associate Counsel.