Deputy General Counsel (Litigation)
Senior Executive Leadership Role – Washington, DC
A prominent federal financial regulatory agency is seeking a Deputy General Counsel (Litigation) to serve as a key member of its executive leadership team. This is a high-impact role acting as the principal advisor and right hand to the General Counsel, overseeing complex, high-stakes litigation and leading a large, sophisticated legal team.
This position offers a unique opportunity to influence national policy, manage enterprise-level litigation strategy, and guide legal operations at the highest levels of government.
Position Overview
The Deputy General Counsel (DGC) will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the agency’s litigation function, including managing multiple litigation units and regional operations. The DGC will play a central role in shaping legal strategy, advising senior leadership, and ensuring the effective handling of complex litigation matters.
The role requires a seasoned trial attorney and executive leader with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment involving significant legal, regulatory, and reputational considerations.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the chief legal advisor to the General Counsel on all litigation matters and act on their behalf when required
- Provide executive oversight of multiple litigation divisions, including general litigation, specialized litigation functions, and regional legal operations
- Lead and manage a team of 30+ attorneys and senior legal managers, ensuring high-quality legal work and operational efficiency
- Develop and execute enterprise-wide litigation strategy, including trial oversight, risk management, and settlement negotiations
- Advise senior agency leadership, including board-level stakeholders, on complex legal and policy matters
- Oversee talent development, performance management, and succession planning across the litigation team
Qualifications
Required:
- Active bar membership in good standing
- Extensive litigation experience, including first-chair trial work, appellate advocacy, or significant courtroom exposure
- Demonstrated experience leading complex, high-profile litigation matters
- Proven executive leadership experience, including managing large legal teams through subordinate managers
- Experience advising senior executives or boards on legal strategy and risk
Highly Preferred:
- Experience in financial services, banking regulation, or complex commercial litigation
- Background in government, regulatory enforcement, or large institutional litigation environments
Leadership Profile
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong strategic judgment and decision-making ability
- Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to synthesize complex legal issues into actionable guidance
- A leadership style focused on accountability, mentorship, and team development
- Experience operating in high-stakes, politically sensitive environments
Compensation & Benefits
- Executive-level compensation package (target range: $280,000 – $315,000)
- Comprehensive federal benefits program
- Relocation assistance may be available
Additional Details
- Location: Washington, DC
- Schedule: Full-time, on-site
- Travel: Occasional
- U.S. Citizenship required
