Position Summary: We are seeking a motivated Payments Attorney to join our legal team. This role provides a unique opportunity to provide legal counsel on issues central to the operation, governance, and regulation of a major U.S. payment system operator.

The successful candidate will bring solid legal training, growing experience in payments law and regulation, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit. The role involves supporting senior attorneys in advising on established payment systems and emerging payment technologies 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 for check, ACH, wire, and instant payments
• Draft and provide guidance on payment system rules and rule interpretations
• Research, 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
• Partner with product, technology, and other stakeholders to develop compliant, innovative payment solutions and related business and educational materials
• Monitor and summarize relevant legislative and regulatory developments
• Support the development of legal and policy positions that advance the company’s role as a critical payment system operator
• Collaborate closely with internal 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 four years of relevant legal experience, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house experience in financial services or fintech
• Working knowledge of payments law and regulation
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts into practical business guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in team-oriented environments
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with attention to detail under tight timeframes

Qualifications Desired:
• Exposure to issues relating to cross-border payments, digital assets, or tokenization
• Experience interacting with financial regulators such as the Federal Reserve, OCC, CFPB, or FinCEN (directly or in support of senior counsel)

Location Details:
For the Payments Attorney position, The Clearing House has a strong preference for candidates based in the New York, NY or Winston-Salem, NC metropolitan areas who would 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 three days each week. Onsite work requirements may change at any time.

The anticipated annual salary range for NY-based candidates in this position is $160,000-$190,000. Base salary 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.

About The Clearing House: 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 Image Exchange 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.