Senior Counsel – Litigation

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GENERAL FUNCTION

Attorney within the Litigation group of Fifth Third Bancorp, responsible for independently leading and managing a portfolio of complex litigation and pre-litigation matters across assigned lines of business.

Serves as a trusted legal advisor, partnering with business, Risk, and Compliance stakeholders to assess exposure, guide decision-making, and mitigate legal and reputational risk. Exercises sound judgment in balancing legal risk with business objectives while operating within the Bank’s risk appetite.

Responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and adhering to policies and procedures. Ensures actions and behaviors support a positive customer experience while effectively managing legal risk within the Bank’s risk appetite.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead litigation strategy across assigned matters, including pleadings, discovery, dispositive motions, trial/arbitration, and settlement.
• Independently evaluate claims and exposure, and make recommendations regarding case strategy and resolution, including settlement authority within delegated limits.
• Manage pre-litigation disputes, demand letters, regulatory inquiries, and threatened claims, driving early and cost-effective resolution where appropriate.
• Direct and hold accountable outside counsel, including scope, staffing, budgets, strategy, and outcomes, and ensure alignment with internal risk and business objectives; ensure efficient, high-quality legal services and cost discipline.
• Provide clear, actionable reporting to senior legal leadership regarding case posture, risk exposure, reserves, and emerging trends.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and business teams to identify relevant issues, anticipate and proactively address litigation risk, and inform business practices to reduce exposure.
• Analyze complex legal issues and deliver practical, business-oriented advice; draft and review key pleadings, briefs, and internal memoranda.
• Support matters involving regulatory scrutiny, enforcement actions, and parallel investigations, including coordination of litigation approach with regulatory response.
• Monitor and synthesize litigation and regulatory developments to identify trends and translate insights into actionable guidance, including identifying opportunities for improvement based on matter trends and outcomes.
• Contribute to development of litigation approaches, playbooks, and best practices, and provide guidance to junior attorneys and legal staff as appropriate.

Coverage areas include: Consumer, Retail, Mortgage, Commercial, Capital Markets, Securities, Intellectual Property (IP), and Wealth & Asset Management.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience preferred.
• J.D. required.
• Admission to a state bar.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to interface successfully with senior management using diplomacy.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong knowledge of the areas of expertise including technical knowledge.
• Strong issue spotting, risk assessment, and problem solving skills.
• Extensive research and analytical skills.
• Team building, leadership skills.

Senior Counsel – LitigationTotal Base Pay Range 96,500.00 - 207,500.00 USD Annual

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.

LOCATION -- Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.