Counsel - Commercial Lending

About the Role: Works with attorneys on the Legal team on legal matters and the development of policies and best practices. Provides legal counsel and guidance to officers and other employees with regard to legal matters to protect the organization's legal rights and interests Responsible for providing professional interpretations and recommendations to officers and other corporate personnel, including written memoranda and correspondence to management and other internal clients with respect to legal issues. Responsible for working with officers to negotiate, document and close commercial loans, including C&I loans, commercial real estate loans, tax exempt financing and asset-based loans. Selecting, retaining, monitoring and working with outside counsel as required. Responsible for working with Special Assets Department on workouts, restructurings, insolvency proceedings, bankruptcies, foreclosures and collection matters. Selecting, retaining, monitoring and working with outside counsel as required. Responsible for anticipating, identifying, communicating and mitigating potential legal problems within the organization and developing strategies to avoid litigation and reduce potential areas of risk. Maintain current knowledge and keep informed of industry-specific laws and regulations and ensure that appropriate risk management strategies are in place. Responsible for providing legal input in connection with developing new bank products, working with business units on loan sale and purchase transactions, and interpreting legal documents related to customer accounts. Responsible for providing professional interpretations and recommendations to officers and other corporate personnel, including written memoranda and correspondence to management and other internal clients with respect to legal issues. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes. Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training. Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description. May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert. Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate. Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice” May perform other duties as assigned. About You: Bachelor's Degree required Juris Doctor (JD) required Pass State Bar Exam required 4-7 years of experience in providing legal support and advice to financial institutions either in private practice or as in-house counsel on lending, deposit operations, regulations, and litigation required Experience working with officers to negotiate, document and close commercial loans, including C&I loans, commercial real estate loans, tax exempt financing and asset based loans. Selecting, retaining, monitoring and working with outside counsel. Experience working with Special Assets Department on workouts, restructurings, insolvency proceedings, bankruptcies, foreclosures and collection matters. Selecting, retaining, monitoring and working with outside counsel. Admitted to practice in relevant jurisdictions; member in good standing of relevant bar association. Knowledge of and experience with a broad expanse of corporate law, which may include, Corporate and Securities; Commercial and Real Estate Lending; Operations; Compliance; Employment; Information and Security; Treasury and Investments. Possess a broad understanding of financial services regulations and must comply with all applicable regulations for assigned job function and apply to designated job responsibilities. Demonstrate excellent analytical, organizational, communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, time management and research skills. Possess strong judgment, decision making, problem resolution, analytical, research, and litigation skills. Ability to build collegial and effective relationships with business clients, attorneys, project managers, and corporate compliance professionals. Ability to train others; create, develop and deliver presentations to small and large audiences. Occasional travel may be required The pay range for this role is $135,000 - $180,000. The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process. Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s). 5885 Meadows Road Suite 300 Lake Oswego OR 97035 Our Benefits: We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits. We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly. Our Commitment to Diversity: Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: View email address on click.appcast.io. To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team. At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career. As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship-based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive. Our culture is built on Do RIGHT, which means: Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities. Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies. Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities. Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other. Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do. Why work for Columbia Bank? A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity. A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact. Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives. Ready to Do RIGHT for your career, your community, and your future? Explore opportunities and join Columbia Bank today.