Senior Trust & Fiduciary Counsel

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Senior Trust & Fiduciary Counsel to join our team! This position will be responsible for ensuring Private Wealth Advisors properly discharges its responsibilities in accordance with applicable state law and federal regulations. The primary duties are working with the Wealth Management Team, however, may also be asked to assist in legal aspects related to Private Banking, Investment Management, First Merchants Investment Services, Retirement Plan Services or other legal needs requested by the Managing Director, Private Wealth or the President of First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors.

As part of this role you will:

• Research and advise department leaders on various legal issues related to trusts, estates guardianships, corporate trust, operations, and compliance.
• Work closely with corporate legal to resolve all matters regarding pending litigation, or have the potential to become litigation, specifically to wealth management.
• Advise the wealth management leadership team, the wealth advisors and wealth managers to ensure clients and beneficiaries are served professionally, in a timely manner, and that business is conducted in such a way to prevent undue legal exposure to the bank.
• Advise wealth management leadership and the wealth management team regarding day-to-day legal issues specific to account administration.
• Ensure competent trust counsel coverage to address trust, estate, and guardianship issues specific to Wealth Management's footprint, including, but not limited to, the states of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
• Work closely with attorneys in the drafting of trusts, wills, and other legal documents to ensure wealth management accepts accounts consistent with its policies and procedures.
• Advise the team on estate settlement matters and at times be the primary contact during estate settlement.
• Work closely with the managing director, wealth management to advise and train associates regarding any new laws impacting wealth management.
• Execute and coordinate all aspects of use of outside legal counsel, in conjunction with Corporate Legal Counsel.
• Serve as a resource to assist the tax team with fiduciary income tax and other related issues as needed.
• Works closely with division heads to draft policies and procedures for wealth management team and assist in training the team.
• Identify, evaluate, and escalate legal and regulatory developments and risks.
• Provide legal support for special projects as needed.
• Provide legal analysis of new business opportunities.
• Assist wealth advisors and wealth managers in the sales process as needed.

In order to be successful in this position, we require the following:

Education:

• Minimum Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission, and in good standing, to the Bar of Indiana or a state within FMPWA's footprint.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience as Trust Counsel, including (10) ten years of experience in the trust industry, or (10) ten years of experience in a mid-to-large sized law firm's trust and estate group (or related area of practice).
• (5) five years of experience with litigation, trust administration, guardianships, estate planning techniques, and fiduciary income tax.
• (5) five years of experience with trust accounting software (e.g., FIS, Innotrust).

The following would be a plus:

• MBA, LLM, or CPA designation
• Proven ability to successfully interact with clients and internal partners.
• Proven experience advising clients and partners on legal plans of action.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office.

First Merchants offers the following:

• Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is:

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is:

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team:

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."

Apply today to begin your career with us!