Position Summary:
The Clearing House Payments Company L.L.C. is a bank-owned industry utility that shapes the payments landscape and provides infrastructure for safe, reliable, and efficient payments. We see an economy where everyone is connected and a future where modern payments make life easier. The Clearing House operates four payment systems: a high-value wire-transfer system (the CHIPS® network), the country’s first and largest instant payments system (the RTP® network), an automated clearinghouse network (the EPN® network), and a check image exchange network (the SVPCO® network). TCH also operates a bank account number tokenization service, runs a payments association known as the TCH Payments Authority, and maintains the rules for private-sector check image exchange through its ECCHO® business line.

We are seeking an experienced senior payments attorney to join our legal team. This high-impact role offers a unique opportunity to provide legal counsel on a wide range of issues central to the operation, governance, and regulation of a major U.S. payment system operator. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in payments law and regulation, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively across legal, business, and risk teams. The role involves advising on both established payment systems and emerging payment technologies and calls for someone eager to work in a fast-paced environment where innovation, integrity, and collaboration are core values.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
• Provide legal advice on the operation and development of payment systems and modalities, including real-time payments, ACH transactions, and wire transfers
• Draft payment system rules and rule interpretations
• Interpret and advise on applicable federal and state laws, including Uniform Commercial Code articles 4 and 4A, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money-laundering requirements, and economic sanctions regulations
• Support product and technology teams in developing compliant, innovative payment solutions
• Monitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments
• Develop and advocate for legal and policy positions that support the company’s role as a critical payment system operator and reflect the interests of its customers, members, and the broader payments industry
• Participate in drafting amicus briefs involving legal issues of significance to the payments industry
• Participate in industry forums to shape policy and advance the integrity, efficiency, and innovation of the U.S. payment system
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including product, technology, risk, and audit teams

Qualifications Required:
• JD from an accredited law school
• Admission to the New York bar (or eligibility for admission on motion)
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house experience in financial services or fintech
• Deep knowledge of the payment ecosystem, including infrastructure, regulation, and risk
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, with demonstrated success working collaboratively in team-oriented environments
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail under tight timeframes

Qualifications Desired:
• Familiarity with cross-border payments or digital asset/payment token issues
• Experience engaging with regulators such as the Federal Reserve, OCC, CFPB, or FinCEN

Location Details:

For the Senior Payments Attorney position, The Clearing House has a strong preference for candidates based in the New York or Winston-Salem metropolitan areas who could commute to our offices in those locations three days a week. We may consider remote candidates based in the Washington, D.C., or Philadelphia/Delaware Valley metropolitan areas who could travel to our offices in New York City for meetings, conferences, and events as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. Travel may be required. Candidates will report to the office 3 days each week. Onsite work requirements may change at any time.

The anticipated annual salary range for NY-based candidates in this position is $220,000 - $320,000. Base salary and corporate title will be determined by the role, experience, skill set and location. For eligible positions, discretionary incentive compensation may be awarded contingent on personal and company performance. Our benefits program includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k plan with company contribution and company match, tuition reimbursement and more.