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About VantageScore At VantageScore we drive impact for good on a massive scale impacting tens of millions of people across the United States. Our mission is to be the leading credit modeling company delivering the most predictive, most innovative and most inclusive tri-bureau models and attributes in the US market. Our innovation is increasing access for millions more Americans to financial products and homeownership. Our models are among, if not the most, inclusive in the United States and power billions of credits scores a year. We are fueled by a growing, exceptionally talented team and are actively seeking individuals who can join us in driving us toward our ambitious goals. At VantageScore, you'll have the unique opportunity to work within a fast-paced, independent start-up culture while enjoying the financial stability that comes from being backed by the three leading US credit bureaus. VantageScore® consumer credit scoring models combine the need for both financial inclusion and dependable predictiveness across all scoring ranges. An industry thought leader and technology innovation leader, the company’s most recent models score approximately 94 percent of all adults 18 and older – including 33 million more people than conventional models – without sacrificing safety and soundness. As a result, lenders using VantageScore can extend credit to those who have been historically marginalized, including minority and lower-to-middle-income Americans. VantageScore credit scores are used by over 3,000 banks, fin-techs and other companies use VantageScore credit scores every day to assess consumer creditworthiness.

Last year, over 19 billion VantageScore credit scores were used representing a 30% yearly increase. Most top 10 US banks, large credit unions and leading fin-techs use VantageScore credit scores in one or more lines of business including credit cards, auto loans, personal loans and more. Starting in 2024 the FHFA has required VantageScore credit scores to be used for all mortgages sold to, or guaranteed by, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Get started using VantageScore credit scores today - we are the leader in predictive power and financial inclusion.

About the Role We are looking for a dynamic lawyer with experience in the financial services space and a passion for expanding financial inclusion to join our legal team as Deputy General Counsel. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will be responsible for assisting in managing the company’s legal affairs and will engage directly with executives, senior management, and external stakeholders on product and business development, legal and regulatory operations, and other company-wide matters. The position also will play a generalist role and work across the traditional in-house portfolio supporting all departments and functions with legal review and guidance, as well as leading on broader strategic issues.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the General Counsel to develop and implement legal strategies and policies across the business that support the company’s overall objectives and growth initiatives.
• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and review of various agreements, including vendor contracts and services and client agreements.
• Serve as the lead legal support for product counseling and regulatory guidance and compliance.
• Stay abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including fair lending, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and other financial services regulations and consumer protection laws.
• Manage litigation matters by working with external counsel, conducting legal analysis to develop case strategies and discovery responses, and providing related legal advice to internal teams.
• Implement intellectual property strategies to protect the company's innovations and assets, provide related legal guidance to internal stakeholders, and manage outside intellectual property counsel.
• Provide legal support on finance, human resources, and a broad variety of other legal matters as they arise.
• Assist in maintaining corporate governance standards and procedures, including drafting materials for board meetings and shareholder communications.
• Develop and manage a legal operations program with automated and scalable processes to increase the overall effectiveness of the legal services provided to the company.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• 10 years of combined relevant experience in law firms, government agencies, or in-house legal departments, including at least three years as in-house counsel.
• Experience in the financial services, fintech, or technology sectors with a knowledge of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and legal issues pertinent to the financial services sector, preferably including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
• Excellent commercial negotiation and drafting skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a broad variety of other legal matters.
• Experience advising on the legal and regulatory aspects of product development and collateral reviews.

· Ability to work autonomously and independently with minimal guidance.

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills, with a knack for explaining complex legal concepts to non-lawyers in plain language.
• Interest or experience in the development of processes designed to facilitate business objectives and meet legal requirements, while also innovating to drive efficiencies in the legal department.

Additional

• Hybrid Role for Candidates based in New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, or Washington DC
• Total Compensation: Base Pay ( $225K - $275K ) + Annual Performance Bonus + 7% 401K Match + Benefits
• Generous Benefits: 401K (matched up to 7%), Flexible Time Off, 12 Paid Holidays, 2 Companywide Wellness Weeks; Medical/Dental/Vision/Wellness benefits, Monthly Team Events, Catered Breakfast / Lunch in office; Modern Work/Collaboration Spaces