Closing Attorney

Newtek One•,

9d•$100,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Small Business Lending, LLC. is looking to add a Closing Attorney to its team! The Closing Attorney is responsible for reviewing, preparing, and facilitating nationwide legal closings of commercial loan transactions that may include U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, conventional commercial loans, acquisition financing, investor real estate transactions, commercial real estate-secured loans, and other secured lending transactions, ensuring legal enforceability, regulatory compliance, and adherence to Newtek Bank and SBA requirements. The position requires sound legal judgment, and the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex legal, collateral, documentation, perfection, title, entity and closing issues across multiple jurisdictions. The Closing Attorney works closely with Loan Closers, Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Underwriting, Construction Lending, internal management, borrower's counsel, seller's counsel, title companies, escrow agents, franchise representatives, and other third parties to resolve legal issues and move approved transactions from legal review through funding while mitigating legal and collateral risk. The Closing Attorney reports directly to a Closing Attorney Manager and is responsible for managing an assigned pipeline of loan transactions while maintaining established service level expectations and quality standards.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in at least one state bar and in good standing.
Strong understanding of SBA lending requirements, SBA Standard Operating Procedures, and related program regulations.
Knowledge of commercial loan documentation, secured transactions, collateral perfection, UCC filings, title insurance, and real estate lending.
Familiarity with commercial real estate transactions, leasehold interests, tenant estoppels, surveys, and title matters.
Understanding of entity structures, organizational documents, corporate authority, and contract interpretation.
Working knowledge of bankruptcy, judgment, lien, and litigation matters affecting loan transactions.
Strong analytical and issue-spotting skills with the ability to independently identify and resolve complex legal and documentation issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
Ability to prioritize workload and meet production goals in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to effectively collaborate with internal departments, borrowers, outside counsel, title companies, and other third parties.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and loan origination/document preparation systems.
Ability to exercise sound legal and business judgment while balancing risk management and customer service objectives.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in commercial lending, SBA lending, commercial real estate transactions, or secured lending preferred.
Experience closing SBA 7(a), SBA 504, commercial term loans, lines of credit, and commercial real estate transactions preferred.
Experience reviewing acquisition transactions involving asset purchases, stock purchases, and membership interest purchases preferred.

Responsibilities

Review loan approvals, credit memorandums, SBA Authorizations, organizational documents, purchase agreements, leases, and other transaction documents to ensure compliance with Bank policy, SBA requirements, and applicable law.
Analyze transaction structures and resolve legal, collateral, lien priority, perfection, title, authority, and documentation issues necessary to achieve the Bank's approved collateral position and facilitate closing.
Identify, assess, mitigate, and, where appropriate, escalate legal, collateral, regulatory, or reputational risks as appropriate requiring management review.
Prepare, review, and finalize loan documentation to ensure legal enforceability and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Coordinate with Loan Closers and Paralegals to ensure all closing requirements are satisfied prior to funding.
Conduct legal review of title commitments, surveys, UCC searches, lien searches, judgment searches, bankruptcy searches, flood determinations, and other due diligence items.
Review collateral documentation to ensure proper attachment and perfection of the Bank's security interest.
Oversee and coordinate remote, hybrid, and in-person loan closings, ensuring all loan documents are properly executed, notarized, witnessed, recorded, and legally enforceable in accordance with applicable jurisdictional requirements.
Serve as the primary legal contact for internal stakeholders, borrower/seller counsel, title companies, escrow agents, franchise representatives, and other third parties throughout the closing process.
Collaborate with Closing, Underwriting, Construction Lending, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants to satisfy closing requirements and facilitate timely funding.
Provide status updates, legal guidance, and recommendations regarding documentation, collateral, title, perfection, and closing matters.
Review funding requests, settlement statements, and disbursement documentation to ensure compliance with approved loan terms, use-of-proceeds requirements, and SBA regulations.
Assist with post-closing corrections, collateral perfection, curative actions, and other legal matters as required.
Maintain expertise in applicable SBA requirements, lending regulations, and Bank policies to ensure compliant transaction structuring and closing.
Assist with internal audits, quality control reviews, regulatory examinations, and investor due diligence requests.
Support implementation of procedural enhancements and best practices designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational risk.
Participate in departmental training initiatives and continuing legal education.
Perform other duties as assigned.