Mortgage Product Counsel

Wealthfront, a leading consumer fintech and pioneer of the robo-advisor industry, is currently seeking a talented Mortgage Product Counsel to join its Legal team. We are seeking a skilled Counsel with significant experience in mortgage law, RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) compliance, and loan officer regulations. This role will provide legal advice and support to our company, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws related to residential lending, mortgage origination, and consumer protection. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape governing mortgages and possess strong expertise in managing risk, compliance, and litigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mortgage Law Compliance: Advise on legal matters related to mortgage origination, servicing, and default management. Ensure adherence to federal and state mortgage laws and regulations, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).
• RESPA Expertise: Provide guidance on RESPA compliance, including anti-kickback rules, referral fees, and disclosures. Ensure that company practices align with RESPA requirements and mitigate legal risks.
• Loan Officer Regulation: Offer legal advice on the licensing and activities of loan officers, including adherence to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) and compliance with state-specific loan officer regulations.
• Transactional Support: Support transactional matters involving mortgage origination, loan modifications, and assignments, and assist with contract review and negotiation.
• Litigation & Risk Management: Handle or oversee litigation related to mortgage origination and servicing. Assess risk and recommend strategies to mitigate legal exposure, especially regarding consumer complaints and regulatory audits.
• Training & Policy Development: Develop training programs for loan officers and staff on mortgage regulations and consumer protection laws. Assist in drafting and updating internal policies to comply with new or changing regulations.
• Regulatory Monitoring: Monitor changes in mortgage-related regulations at the federal and state level, such as updates from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and provide proactive guidance on how these changes impact business operations.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active bar membership.
• Minimum 5+ years of legal experience, preferably in mortgage, consumer finance, or real estate law.
• Deep knowledge of RESPA, TILA, ECOA, and other mortgage-related federal and state laws.
• Experience advising on loan officer compliance and NMLS regulations.
• Strong understanding of the secondary mortgage market and loan servicing.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and legal writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously and provide strategic business advice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous in-house legal experience in the mortgage or financial services industry.
• Experience with CFPB examinations and enforcement actions.
• Familiarity with e-mortgage and digital closing platforms.