The General Counsel’s Organization (GCO) is American Express’ legal and government affairs departments, along with the Corporate Secretary's Office (which is responsible for interactions with our Board of Directors). They are responsible for protecting and strengthening American Express through world-class expertise and strategic advice that helps our business partners manage risk, identify opportunities, and deliver on the Company's promise of exceptional products and services.
Our mission is to protect and strengthen American Express through legal expertise and strategic advice that helps our business partners manage risk, identify opportunities, and deliver on the company’s promise of exceptional products and services. Given the dynamic nature of the global payments industry and the valued partnership between our team and the business, we see it as imperative to attract and develop talented people by:
- Providing rich work experiences and opportunities for professional development
- Recognizing and rewarding those who drive and deliver results
- Respecting and valuing diversity, integrity, and personal accountability
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
Responsibilities:
This Associate Counsel position will provide legal support to American Express’s all lines of business in Spain (card issuing, merchant acquiring, insurance mediation and travel & lifestyle activities), as well as support the cross border business operated in the EEA through Spanish entities. This role will sit in the legal team - General Counsel’s Organization (GCO) and will report to the Director & Counsel for Spain.
Here’s just some of what you’ll do in this role
- Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice on different areas of laws, such as commercial law, payment services regulation, insurance distribution regulation, anti-money laundering, consumer protection and data protection.
- Identify and provide legal interpretation on new or existing laws which impact the business activities and affairs of American Express carried out in Spain. Also, partner with other colleagues from the GCO and Government Affairs to monitor relevant legislative initiatives in EMEA and Spain.
- Partner and support other GCO colleagues in specific projects and initiatives, acting as delegates, if needed.
- Draft and negotiate all types of local and global commercial agreements, terms & conditions and related communications.
- Provide legal support on strategic marketing initiatives, agreements and new product and services development initiatives.
- Project manage GCO initiatives and tasks.
- Represent GCO at important meetings or committees.
- Provide strategic, tactical, and other general guidance and advice to middle management, whether on specific projects or transactions or in relation to standard business processes, to ensure the organization understands and complies with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee litigation, help define the strategy in litigation cases and instruct outside counsel. Advise on specific extrajudicial cases that can potentially escalate to litigation.
- Proactively protect the brand and reputation of American Express by providing legal advice and guidance to governance and management supported by energetic internal advocacy.
- Manage external counsel budget with the aim to ensure that the company receives cost effective legal advice.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Spanish qualified practicing lawyer.
- 3+ years of post-qualification experience at a law firm or inhouse with emphasis on commercial/contract law.
- Background in financial services or privacy is a plus. Other diverse backgrounds may be as well suitable.
- Very fluent in English and Spanish.
Required Skills:
- Solid drafting, research, and negotiation/influencing skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply law and regulation in a practical, hands-on, manner. Solid analytical skills.
- Ability to build relationships and partner with others to drive results.
- Willing to gain a solid understanding of regulatory matters generally and areas applicable to payments industry and American Express business.
- Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and clients’ expectations.
Required Attributes:
- Strategic thinker with good business understanding, analytical skills and a strong ability to spot legal issues across a range of subject areas.
- Skilled at effective multi-tasking - able to manage and prioritize a wide variety of matters and clients to high levels of client satisfaction.
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing - able to communicate clearly, concisely, effectively and persuasively with internal and external clients and middle management.
- Adaptability - strong team player who thrives on collaboration and understands the individual part they play in the success of a cross-functional team.
- Self-sufficiency – inquisitive, takes initiative and owns their learning and development, comfortable working with minimal direct supervision.
- Prepared to take the lead and make appropriate recommendations to middle management. This role requires someone with credibility and presence.
- Excellent relationship management and people skills – ability to adapt communication style to a broad mix of people and personalities including senior business and legal team leaders.
- Ability to form and maintain strong working relationships.
- Willingness to learn and grow and to leverage experience gained in this position to expand skill set for future career growth at American Express.
- Ability to respond under time pressure to business issues with executable solutions clearly linked to business objectives.
- Process-management skills - ability to help identify and implement improvements in work process to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Ability to motivate members of the team.
- Commitment to integrity.
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in Spain is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
