Associate Counsel Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:
We are seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join our Legal Department. This Legal Counsel role is responsible for providing day to day advice and counseling on employment law matters, drafting employment-related documents and policies, managing employment litigation and investigations and overseeing outside counsel.

• Provide day-to-day legal advice on employment law matters including but not limited to:
• Wage and hour compliance (FLSA, state/local laws)
• Hiring, disciplinary action, performance management and terminations
• Workplace accommodations, leaves of absence, and employee benefits issues.
• Manage and coordinate employment-related litigation, arbitrations, administrative charges, and internal investigations including:
  • Drafting position statements
  • Overseeing outside counsel
  • Reviewing pleadings and strategy
  • Managing discovery and settlement negotiations
• Partner with Human Resources, Employee Relations, Compliance, and business leaders on employment matters involving licensed financial professionals, including employee actions with regulatory reporting or disclosure implications.
• Draft and review employment related policies, separation agreements, and other employment documents
• Monitor and advise on legal developments, including wage and hour laws, workplace harassment regulations and industry specific employment compliance trends.
• Support human resources and business leaders with training and best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional legal projects as needed.
• Experience with financial services specific matters such as U-5 and FINRA regulations, a plus.

What You Bring:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience: Law / J.D. degree, and active license to practice law in at least one US jurisdiction. - Required.
• 9+ Years Experience practicing law. - Required
• 3+ Years Experience in Financial Services, Bank, Law Firm supporting Financial Services. - Required
• Familiarity with employment matters involving licensed financial professionals, regulatory reporting obligations, U5 disclosures, or FINRA-related employment issues. - Preferred.

• Strong litigation background.
• Strong understanding of state and local laws
• Solid understanding of legal documents, contracts and agreements, and drafting experience.
• Ability to be highly responsive and organized.
• Ability to provide practical and pragmatic advice.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize and manage workload, simultaneous tasks, and meet deadlines with a changing fast-paced environment.
• Excellent legal and analytical skills and a business-oriented approach to problem solving
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and client relations skills

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it's recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standingand walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.