Legal Counsel - Transactional & Regulatory

Mitsubishi HC Capital America Inc•Itasca, IL

2d•$149,500 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join our dynamic legal team and help shape the future of commercial finance in the greater Chicago area. As a strategic legal advisor and business partner, your primary focus will be on high impact matters: Leading transaction origination for equipment loans, leases, and other complex commercial financing arrangements. Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements that support these transactions. Monitoring U.S. federal and state regulatory developments (including data privacy requirements) and ensuring compliance integration. Advising on supplier management and third-party risk. The ideal candidate is initiative-taking, business-oriented, and capable of balancing legal risk with strategic objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate
5+ years of experience in commercial finance including equipment leasing, lending, and commercial finance.
Strong understanding of U.S. federal and state laws applicable to equipment finance, secured lending, leasing, and commercial transactions.
Familiarity with UCC Article 2A and Article 9, contract law, litigation, and related regulatory requirements.
Experience with litigation, transactions, restructuring, and workout matters, including distressed asset situations and renegotiation of financing agreements.
Proven experience in contract review and negotiation across finance sectors, including leases, loans, assignments, syndicated loans, purchase orders, and security agreements.
Ability to research and interpret laws, regulations, and case law to provide practical guidance.
Skilled in drafting clear, enforceable agreements and revising templates for compliance and business needs.
Ability to grasp the business rationale and address specific deal needs from transaction to transaction.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across departments and build strong business relationships.
Proactive Problem Solver: Anticipates challenges and develops practical, business-oriented solutions.
Exceptional Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
Critical Thinking & Cognitive Ability: Analyzes complex issues and applies sound legal reasoning.
Analytical & Synthesis Skills: Gathers, interprets, and integrates information into actionable insights.
Situational Awareness: Demonstrates adaptability and sound judgment in fast-paced environments.
Technical and Professional: Maintains accuracy and thoroughness in applying legal knowledge and professional standards.
Technology Proficiency: Ability to leverage modern legal technology and AI tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Illinois, or the ability to obtain an in-house counsel license.

Responsibilities

Lead transaction origination for equipment loans, leases, and other complex commercial financing arrangements.
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements that support these transactions.
Monitor U.S. federal and state regulatory developments (including data privacy requirements) and ensure compliance integration.
Advise on supplier management and third-party risk.
Provide legal support wherever needed, including supplier management, intellectual property, compliance initiatives, dispute resolution, and other matters that arise in day-to-day operations.
Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and help manage outside counsel relationships to ensure timely, cost-effective solutions across the full spectrum of legal issues.
Provide legal support and advice on assigned matters and work closely with senior legal leadership.
Consult with and support the North American Legal Department and, as applicable, the operations teams on general corporate matters and other transactions, regulatory, compliance and litigation matters.
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents, including vendor program agreements, capital markets agreements, commercial finance contracts, leasing contracts, loan agreements, and related documentation.
Provide strategic legal guidance on supplier relationships, including supplier onboarding, risk assessment, contract performance monitoring, and dispute resolution; assist procurement and operations teams in mitigating risks associated with supplier agreements.
Participate in department operations, including the use of legal technology, appropriate AI tools, and template management, to ensure efficient workflows, compliance with organizational standards, and continuous process improvement.
Track and advise on changes in U.S. federal and state laws—including commercial lending, leasing, consumer protection, and data privacy—and collaborate with Compliance to integrate these changes into policies and processes.
Assist the Compliance team with day-to-day compliance matters, including interpreting regulatory requirements, conducting, or supporting internal reviews and audits, responding to compliance inquiries, and helping to develop and implement compliance policies, and procedures.
In consultation with the General Counsel and internal stakeholders, help select and manage external counsel for transactions and litigation, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality services.
Identify and help mitigate legal and business risks related to equipment leasing, lending, and financing arrangements.
Maintain continuing legal education CLE with emphasis on commercial finance, regulatory compliance, and other current legal matters.