Sr. Associate Counsel, Product & Commercial - job 15 of 26

The Sr. Associate Counsel, Product & Commercial at Visa will handle a variety of responsibilities, including leading the legal support for Issuing Solutions and certain products and services. This entails drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, advising business teams on legal matters related to product development, and managing regulatory support. You'll also oversee compliance with various laws and coordinate with outside counsel when necessary.

To be considered for the Sr. Associate Counsel position at Visa, candidates should possess strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. A law degree and relevant experience in product and commercial law are essential. Furthermore, strong client counseling skills and a collaborative mindset are vital to succeed in this role.

The Sr. Associate Counsel plays a critical role in supporting Visa’s Value-Added Services by providing legal guidance on product offerings, ensuring compliance with various regulations, and maintaining strong business relationships. By working closely with business teams, you will help craft compelling service offerings and navigate the legal complexities involved in their deployment.

The work environment for a Sr. Associate Counsel at Visa is dynamic, collaborative, and challenging yet rewarding. The position involves a mix of remote and in-office work, fostering flexibility while encouraging collaboration with various teams. You'll be engaging regularly with experienced lawyers, compliance professionals, and business clients, creating a vibrant workplace culture.

Key skills for a Sr. Associate Counsel at Visa include strong judgment, analytical thinking, exceptional client counseling, and negotiation abilities. Being self-motivated and possessing a collaborative spirit is essential, along with the ability to creatively solve problems and manage a fast-paced workload effectively.

In drafting a complex commercial agreement, it's essential to start by understanding the key business objectives and requirements of both parties. I would ensure to conduct thorough research and collaborate with stakeholders to gather all necessary information, and then create a clearly structured document that addresses all potential risks and compliance issues. It's important to maintain open communication with the negotiation team throughout this process.

My experience with product development involves working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure legal considerations are integrated from the outset. I focus on identifying potential regulatory risks and compliance issues early in the development process. By proactively advising on legal requirements, I help facilitate smoother product launches and ensure that all offerings align with company policies and regulations.

I stay updated on changing regulatory landscapes by subscribing to relevant legal newsletters, attending industry conferences and webinars, and actively participating in professional organizations. I also maintain a strong network of peers and mentors in the legal field to share insights and interpretations of new regulations that may affect our business.

Effective client counseling requires clear communication, active listening, and building trust. I focus on understanding my clients' needs and business objectives, while providing sound legal advice that is actionable and relevant. I often use real-world examples to illustrate complex legal concepts and ensure that the client feels informed and confident in the decisions being made.

In one instance, I had to negotiate a challenging agreement with a key partner who had strict requirements. I invested time in understanding their concerns and collaboratively finding solutions that met both parties' needs. Through open communication and flexibility, we reached an agreement that was beneficial for both sides and established a strong ongoing relationship.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize my workload by assessing deadlines and the level of impact each task has on our business objectives. I utilize project management tools to keep track of progress and manage my time effectively. Regular check-ins with my team help ensure we're aligned and can address any potential bottlenecks promptly.

To ensure compliance with securities laws, I first familiarize myself with the applicable regulations and guidelines. I then conduct thorough reviews of all externally facing documents and collaborate closely with finance and compliance teams to ensure adherence to disclosure policies. I also implement training sessions for relevant departments to maintain awareness of compliance requirements.

When faced with a potential conflict of interest, I prioritize transparency by notifying all relevant parties as soon as possible. I analyze the situation carefully and, where necessary, seek advice from senior colleagues or utilize our firm’s ethics resources. If needed, I will recuse myself from the matter to ensure our clients receive the best representation without any conflicts.

My approach to managing outside counsel involves clear communication of expectations from the beginning, including timelines and budget constraints. I regularly review their outputs for quality and timeliness, and I establish check-in points to address any issues that may arise. This ensures that we receive high-quality service while managing costs effectively.

I am drawn to the Sr. Associate Counsel role at Visa because of the company’s commitment to innovation in the payments industry. The opportunity to work on cutting-edge products and services while collaborating with a talented legal team aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I am excited to contribute my skills to help Visa navigate the evolving legal landscape.