AVP, Commercial Lending Counsel

OSP LP•Palatine, IL

9d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Inside Legal Counsel is responsible for providing day-to-day legal support across the Bank’s lending, compliance, and operations team. This role requires a licensed attorney with demonstrated experience in commercial lending law, SBA financing, loan documentation, title work and regulatory compliance. You will work closely with credit officers, senior management, and outside counsel to structure and close complex transactions, manage legal risk, and ensure adherence to applicable federal and state regulations. The Inside Legal Counsel serves as a practical, business-oriented legal resource that helps the Bank achieve its strategic goals while protecting its legal interests.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school required; active licensure in Illinois required (New Jersey or additional state licensure a plus).
Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial lending law, SBA lending, or bank regulatory compliance, preferably in a lender counsel or in-house role.
Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating loan documentation (notes, security agreements, guaranties, mortgages, and UCC filings) in conformance with SBA SOPs and lender policies.
Strong working knowledge of federal and state lending regulations including ECOA/Regulation B, RESPA, TILA, BSA/AML, FDCPA, and applicable state foreclosure statutes.
Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly to non-attorney colleagues and provide practical, business-oriented guidance.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization and with outside counsel.
Ability to read and interpret complex legal and regulatory documents; familiarity with SBA Standard Operating Procedures is strongly preferred.
Must present a professional, business-oriented image and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical conduct.

Nice To Haves

Experience in litigation support, loan workout, foreclosure, bankruptcy proceedings, and post-judgment enforcement preferred.
New Jersey or additional state licensure a plus.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and negotiate loan documentation including promissory notes, mortgages, security agreements, guaranties, allonges, and UCC filings for SBA and conventional commercial loans.
Conduct due diligence reviews of borrowers, guarantors, and collateral, identifying legal risks and structuring solutions to support sound credit decisions and loan approval.
Coordinate with title companies, outside counsel, credit administration, and internal partners to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant loan closings.
Meet directly with borrowers and guarantors to review and execute loan documentation, answer questions regarding loan terms and closing requirements, and facilitate a smooth closing experience.
Ensure all loan documents are properly executed, recorded, and maintained in accordance with bank policies, regulatory requirements, and legal standards.
Ensure commercial loan documentation and closing packages comply with applicable federal and state banking regulations, internal loan policies, and approved credit terms.
Verify that all pre-closing conditions, collateral perfection requirements, title and lien priorities, insurance coverage, flood determinations, and regulatory documentation are satisfied prior to funding.
Coordinate with lenders, credit administration, loan operations, legal counsel, and third-party vendors to identify and mitigate documentation, collateral, and closing risks.
Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including BSA/AML, OFAC, Flood Disaster Protection Act, HMDA (as applicable), and FDIC safety and soundness guidelines.
Monitor changes to commercial lending regulations and documentation requirements, recommending process improvements to strengthen risk management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Ensure all loan files are complete, accurately documented, and maintained in accordance with bank policy, regulatory requirements, and audit standards.
Support lenders in loan enforcement matters, including loan modifications, forbearance agreements, and workout negotiations.
Assist with foreclosure proceedings, bankruptcy matters, and post-judgment enforcement in coordination with outside litigation counsel.
Review and manage loan participation agreements, correspondent banking arrangements, and other third-party credit relationships from a legal and documentation standpoint.