Job Details

As an Individual Contributor, this role provides legal counsel on high‑value, high‑risk, and highly sensitive matters that support the Company's strategic, operational, and regulatory objectives. The position interprets complex laws and regulations, manages legal risk, and provides guidance to executive, senior, and line management. This role also supports business growth and governance by enabling compliant innovation, supporting critical initiatives, and fostering strong internal and external legal partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Legal Advisory and Risk Management: Delivers sound, timely, and cost-effective legal advice to executives, senior leaders, and line management on high-risk, high-value, and highly sensitive matters. Interprets and applies federal and state laws, including banking, fiduciary, trust and estate, and intellectual property law, to guide decision‑making while advancing the Company's legal risk management program.

• Regulatory and Compliance Counsel: Analyzes changes in laws and regulations and advises business units on legal, regulatory, and compliance impacts. Provides guidance on remediation of regulatory issues and omissions and supports enterprise compliance efforts through proactive risk identification and mitigation.

• Complex Transactions and Contract Negotiation: Leads the drafting, negotiation, and interpretation of sophisticated legal documents, including vendor agreements, revenue‑producing contracts, customer agreements, and required regulatory disclosures. Provides legal support for enterprise‑wide sourcing, vendor risk management, and revenue initiatives involving substantial financial and reputational exposure.

• Legal Research and Business Enablement: Conducts advanced legal research and analysis related to new business initiatives and entry into new lines of business. Advises stakeholders on legal feasibility, structural considerations, and risk implications to support strategic growth.

• Dispute Management and External Counsel Oversight: Serves as an ethical and effective advocate for the Company in complex disputes, regulatory investigations, and high‑stakes matters. Selects, directs, and manages outside counsel to ensure quality representation, cost efficiency, and alignment with business objectives.

• Performs other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited law school. Must be a member in good standing of the Hawaii State Bar.
• Minimum 8 years of experience practicing banking, corporate, commercial, or related areas of law within a law firm, corporation, or government agency.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Expert knowledge and skill proficiency in laws and regulations, legal consultation, and legal research and analysis.
• Advanced knowledge and skill proficiency in cross‑functional collaboration, customer experience, contract drafting, negotiation, persuasion and influence, and strategic thinking.
• Intermediate knowledge and skill proficiency in technology literacy, including enterprise systems, legal tools, and standard business applications.
• Strong ability to assess legal and regulatory considerations, manage complex matters, and provide practical guidance aligned with business objectives. Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non‑legal audiences. Demonstrated sound judgment, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

As a Bank of Hawaii employee, you ensure (or assist with ensuring) compliance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory requirements and Bank policies and procedures, including but not limited to those related to Fair Banking, Anti‑Money Laundering laws and regulations, Bank Secrecy Act and USA PATRIOT Act.

Delivering exceptional customer experiences is at the heart of what we do at Bank of Hawaii. We listen, understand and deliver what our customers need to help them build a better tomorrow.