Sr. Associate Counsel - job 23 of 31

As a Senior Associate Counsel at Visa, your primary responsibilities will include supporting Risk and Identity Services by either leading on various products or collaborating with a small team of attorneys. You will be drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, advising business teams on legal matters, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, you will engage directly with business clients to help achieve key objectives.

Candidates for the Senior Associate Counsel position at Visa must possess strong analytical and negotiation skills, coupled with excellent judgment. Significant experience in managing multiple priorities in a high-energy environment is essential. Creativity in problem-solving and a collaborative spirit are also vital, as this role works closely with various business units and legal teams.

Visa typically looks for candidates with a Juris Doctor degree and substantial experience in corporate or commercial law. A background in financial services or technology can be particularly advantageous. It is crucial for applicants to demonstrate their ability to provide sophisticated legal counseling and effectively manage complex transactions.

The Senior Associate Counsel at Visa plays a crucial role in supporting business objectives by collaborating with business teams to understand their goals and develop compelling products and services. This involves providing timely legal advice, driving contract negotiations, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, thereby enabling the business to operate smoothly and innovatively.

The working environment for a Senior Associate Counsel at Visa is collaborative and fast-paced. You’ll be part of a supportive legal team working on groundbreaking products and services, where open communication fosters creativity and innovation. Visa promotes a hybrid working model, providing flexibility on in-office days, which helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.

In managing multiple legal priorities, it's important to prioritize effectively based on deadlines and impact. I usually start by making a list of tasks, assessing which ones are time-sensitive and aligning them with business goals. For example, in my previous role, I handled several contract negotiations while also advising on compliance issues. I prioritized a major client's contract due to its strategic importance, which led to a successful renewal and strengthened our business relationship.

When drafting commercial agreements, I focus on clarity and ensuring all terms align with the business objectives. I usually start by collaborating closely with the business team to understand their needs. I also ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. My approach includes drafting clear, precise language and anticipating potential issues that may arise, allowing for easier negotiations later.

To provide legal advice effectively, I strive to communicate in clear, understandable terms. I focus on how legal considerations directly affect business outcomes. For instance, I often relate legal risks to their potential impact on revenue or operations, which helps stakeholders see the bigger picture. Listening to their concerns and addressing them specifically also fosters a productive dialogue.

My experience with compliance reviews includes conducting thorough assessments of how regulatory changes impact business operations. For example, I worked on a project where I evaluated our practices against new data protection laws. I collaborated with compliance teams to ensure our protocols aligned with regulations while still enabling innovative services, which was vital for maintaining our competitive edge.

One complex negotiation I led involved a multi-million-dollar partnership agreement with a key vendor. The negotiation process included navigating various legal and business interests. I prepared extensively, anticipating the other party's concerns, which allowed me to propose creative solutions that satisfied both sides. Ultimately, we reached an agreement that benefited both parties and enhanced our service offerings.

I stay updated on regulatory changes through a combination of continuous professional development, subscribing to legal and industry newsletters, and participating in forums or seminars. I also maintain a network of contacts in the compliance community who share insights. This proactive approach ensures that I can advise my team effectively and strategically.

When faced with conflicts between business objectives and legal advice, I ensure an open dialogue where we assess the risks involved. I present clear, factual information about potential legal ramifications alongside the business's goals. My focus is on finding a balanced solution that meets business needs while also safeguarding the company legally.

Teamwork is paramount in my legal practice. It fosters diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to complex problems. I actively engage with colleagues from various disciplines to ensure that our legal strategies are aligned with overall business goals. For instance, during product development, cross-functional teams enable us to address legal concerns proactively without hindering creativity.

A successful commercial attorney possesses a strong blend of legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and business acumen. It's essential to understand both the letter of the law and the underlying business context to offer valuable insights. Being adaptable and solution-focused also contributes significantly to achieving positive outcomes in legal practice.

One instance where I creatively solved a legal issue involved a unique licensing arrangement that didn’t fit typical frameworks. By thoroughly analyzing our goals and the legal landscape, I proposed a novel structure that met our needs while remaining compliant. This not only resolved the immediate problem but also opened new avenues for collaboration with partners.