This article on ‘Law Officer in a Bank: All You Should Know’ was written by Nagarajendra Kasyapa, an intern at Legal Upanishad.
Introduction
In India, the legal profession is quickly expanding into all areas. Lawyers are frequently referred to as social engineers and their importance in society is unquestionable. The banking sector is critical to the country’s economic and financial situation. Banks are in charge of all financial transactions involving the public and entities. Any mistake or miscalculation might send the entire country into recession and cause the currency to depreciate.
This article explains the responsibilities of a law officer in a bank as well as the qualifications needed to pass the law officer exam.
Who is a Law Officer in Bank?
A law officer/counsel plays an important part in the Bank’s operations. The council is responsible for advising the Bank and dealing with numerous legal matters related to the organisation. The Institute of Banking Personal Selection (IBPS) is the appointing authority for all public banks’ law officers. This organisation serves as a central recruitment agency for all state banks. Private banks, on the other hand, follow business policy when it comes to appointment regulations and procedures.
Role of Law Officer in the Bank
A law officer has more work to accomplish straight away, such as complying with laws and regulations, because everything about a bank, from opening to closure, is governed by the rules of the country. This occurs both during and after the Bank’s hours of operation.
Furthermore, the law officer’s responsibilities include everything from loan advances and deposits to withdrawals and interest-bearing loan repayments. The legal officer may also oversee and seize collateral securities if necessary. A bank legal officer is in charge of a variety of tasks. As a result, every bank, including the Apex Bank, employs a legal officer. The law officer is the same person who goes under various names, such as Specialist officer/Law officer/Legal officer.
The job profile strives to defend the bank from fraud, consumer insolvency, and financial crimes. A law enforcement officer’s job is akin to that of a financial system pillar. One source of concern in this sector is that, even if they are assigned to regional or zonal offices, a law officer’s chances of advancement are not as good as those of a bank PO.
A PO is more likely to rise to the position of MD-CEO of a bank, but a legal officer will never reach that level. However, no one should be discouraged from becoming a law enforcement officer because there are numerous benefits to doing so. A legal officer in a bank is responsible for the following:
- Ensuring that the bank follows all policies and guidelines established by the Reserve Bank of India.
- Drafting of numerous documents pertaining to the Bank’s administration;
- Creation of legal documents for multiple procedures;
- Guidance to the Bank in accordance with various laws.
In addition, a legal officer of the Bank will act as the Bank’s representative in legal disputes. Because money and collateral property are involved, the Bank routinely engages in legal disputes and makes legal claims against others. In these cases, the legal officer is the Bank’s sole representative, defending the Bank in court against all borrowers, defaulters, fraudsters, and other claimants. The bank officer must provide legal advice to the bank and ensure that it is followed.
Eligibility Criteria for a Law Officer in the Bank
The eligibility and qualifications for the legal officer post in the banks will be provided by the advertisement released by the IBPS in the case of the public sector, RBI and private sector. The essential eligibility criteria would include the following:
- Must be a citizen of India or
- A person of Bhutan or Nepal or Tibetan refugee who came to the country before 1 January 1962 intending to settle in the country permanently or
- A person of Indian descent who has moved to India permanently from Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the United Republic of Tanzania, Vietnam, or the East African nations of Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia as long as they have received a certificate of eligibility from the central government.
- Age: When it comes to age, it differs from post to post and relaxation is also provided to specific categories.
Qualifications for a Law Officer in the Bank
A candidate for the position of legal officer must have a bachelor’s degree in law and be registered as an advocate with the State Bar Council. It is a required educational qualification, but it is insufficient for the position of Legal Officer at a bank. The individual should be well-versed in banking, civil, and other laws. Previous experience would be extremely beneficial for the position of legal officer in a bank. In the event of a legal officer position in the RBI, he must be knowledgeable about foreign exchange and management rules, as well as the SARFESI Act, and experience is required.
Exams for a Law Officer in the Bank Posts
The exams for these positions will be announced by the IBPS, the RBI, and private banks. Depending on the position, the exam pattern varies per sector. Usually, it contains Multiple Choice Questions and written tests, and interviews.
Suggestions and Conclusion
The person entrusted with this job description should carry out their duties without regard for profit. As the banking industry grows, banks should organise workshops and camps in partnership with law schools. Students and future lawyers who desire to thrive in this sector would benefit from this.
In recent years, the court has stated that once you agree to represent the government or one of its departments, you cannot complain about the meagre or nonexistent remuneration. The purpose of government is to serve the people, not to gain money. The government and law officers perform their duties without ulterior motives and with a service-oriented mindset, which is why they charge a minimal cost in comparison to their more lucrative private practise, particularly the top law officers.
To conclude, a legal officer is critical to the Bank’s smooth or irregular operation. A single error can disrupt the Bank’s entire system. Prior experience in this subject would aid in masking the weaknesses in the financial system.
References
- Surabhi Dewra, ‘How to become a law officer in Banks, what are his/her responsibilities and what is the detailed procedure to apply for the post?’, Career Guide, available at: https://www.careerguide.com/ask/t/how-to-become-a-law-officer-in-banks-what-are-his-her-responsibilities-and-what-is-the-detailed-procedure-to-apply-for-the-post
- Arunima Kaur, Career Prospects Of Lawyers In the Banking Sector, iPleaders Blog, 19 January 2017, available at: https://blog.ipleaders.in/career-prospects-lawyers-banking-sector/