Commercial Lending Attorney (SVP)

Climate First Bank

11h•Remote

About The Position

Climate First Bank is seeking an in-house Commercial Lending Attorney to provide broad legal support to a rapidly growing $2 billion commercial bank. The role focuses on commercial, C&I, consumer, real estate, and SBA litigation and transactions, as well as corporate governance. The attorney will partner with business and executive teams to mitigate risk, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and support strategic initiatives with practical legal advice. The role leads litigation in Florida and oversees litigation in other states. The candidate must reside in Florida and hold an active Florida Bar license. The position provides strategic counsel to leadership and business units; manages collections, enforcement, commercial litigation, and dispute resolution; supports real estate and C&I transactions; drafts and negotiates contracts; identifies and mitigates legal risk; and collaborates across lending, operations, compliance, and leadership. It also supports governance, compliance, policy development, and employee training. The attorney is expected to support the bank’s environmental, social, economic, and racial justice commitments and follow applicable regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures. This is a remote role within Florida, working Eastern Standard Hours, with occasional U.S. travel for company events or leadership sessions. The employer is tobacco-free; employees must affirm they are nonsmokers or commit to cessation within 90 days of offer acceptance. The base pay starts at $120,000, with compensation based on relevant experience. The position may also be eligible for an annual bonus, incentives, and equity.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the Florida Bar and residence in Florida.
At least 5 years of relevant legal practice, in a law firm and/or in-house.
Substantial experience in consumer and commercial lending litigation, including handling or supervising business disputes.
Exposure to real estate lending transactions.
Demonstrated knowledge of corporate law and governance principles.
Strong legal drafting, negotiation, litigation, and collections skills.
Familiarity with contract law, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment; ability to interpret complex statutes and regulations affecting the bank.
Licensed to practice law in good standing, with no disciplinary history; high ethical integrity and judgment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, litigation and transaction deadlines, documentation, and shifting demands with precision.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders and advise senior leadership.
Knowledge of commercial lending, litigation, financial services law, banking regulatory frameworks, loan structures, credit risk, and real estate transactions.
Analytical judgment and ability to assess legal and business risk and provide clear recommendations.
Ability to use and adapt to technology such as document management systems, e-discovery platforms, contract lifecycle tools, and legal research databases.
Collaborative, accountable, adaptable, and solutions-oriented approach.
Affirm nonsmoker status or commit to cessation within 90 days of offer acceptance.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including sustained standing and sitting, frequent speaking and listening, PC use and sustained monitor attention, and occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Admission to additional U.S. state bars.
Experience with document management, e-discovery, contract lifecycle, and legal research tools.

Responsibilities

Advise executive leadership and business units on legal matters and translate laws and regulations into practical recommendations.
Partner on strategic initiatives, new products, and operational changes to ensure legal soundness and regulatory alignment.
Manage collection litigation from initial strategy through judgment execution and evaluate enforcement options with credit and risk teams.
Lead Florida litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motions, and court appearances.
Oversee multi-state litigation by managing outside counsel, budgets, and case strategy.
Represent the bank in negotiations, mediations, and settlements and proactively identify dispute risks.
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial loan and real estate financing documents; conduct legal due diligence concerning collateral, title, and transaction structure.
Prepare and review vendor, partnership, confidentiality, and other agreements, ensuring appropriate risk mitigation and legal compliance.
Improve contract processes, consistency, and organizational risk awareness.
Identify and advise on potential disputes, regulatory developments, and operational risks; partner with compliance and risk functions on policies, controls, and governance.
Work with lending, operations, compliance, and leadership teams to address legal matters and support business initiatives.
Assist with corporate governance and regulatory adherence, contribute to policy updates, and train employees on legal risk and compliance expectations.
Complete mandatory compliance and IT training, follow bank policies and regulations, and question suspicious activity while collaborating to help prevent fraud.
Champion environmental, social, economic, and racial justice.

Benefits

100% employer-paid health coverage for employees, with an employer contribution for dependents.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Free telemedicine access via Teladoc.
401(k) with 6% employer match and no vesting period.
Employee stock options.
Exclusive employee banking perks.
0% financing for employee solar loans.
Employee-only mortgage product with exclusive interest rates and terms.
0% financing for eligible electric vehicles.
Referral incentives.
Two to four weeks of vacation based on officer level, plus additional tenure-based time.
64 hours of paid sick time for full-time employees.
Company-paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary life, accident, and critical illness coverage.
Employee Assistance Program with free counseling, legal, and financial services.
The position may be eligible for an annual bonus, incentives, and equity.