Commercial Lending Attorney (SVP)

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nWe are changing FINANCE to finance CHANGE! At Climate First Bank, we're redefining what banking can be. As a Florida Benefit Corporation and FDIC-insured commercial bank, we offer a full suite of personal and business services—including solar, residential, commercial, ESOP Banking, Structured Finance and SBA loans—all designed to power a better future. We're proud to be a Certified B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet, and part of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), reflecting our deep commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical banking. With branches in St. Petersburg, Winter Park, Mount Dora, and a growing digital presence, we're proving that banking can be a force for good. We don't just support environmental and social causes—we're built on them. Under our Holding Company, Climate First Bancorp, we are also powered by OneEthos. OneEthos operates at the intersection of fintech and traditional banking to expand access to inclusive, values-driven financial services. Regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank, it equips Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks with ethical lending tools—especially in climate finance and solar lending.Join the Movement We're seeking driven, mission-aligned individuals ready to make an impact. If you're passionate about sustainability, thrive in a fast-paced, results driven environment, and want to be part of something bigger, you will feel right at home. Our team is one of goal-setters, go-getters, problem solvers, thought leaders, and changemakers. We celebrate wins, tackle challenges head-on, and push boundaries. Fueled by purpose, we thrive where perseverance and passion turn ambitious goals into reality.Thrive at Climate First Bank At Climate First Bank, we're investing in your future. We offer a comprehensive, people-first benefits package that supports your health, finances, and work-life balance. Compensation — In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for an annual bonus, incentives and equity. Actual compensation is based on industry salary ranges, internal salary structures, experience, skills and other job-related factors. Health Coverage — 100% employer-paid for employees; employer contribution for dependents by UsMedical, Dental & Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) Free Telemedicine access via Teladoc Financial Wellness & Wealth Building401(k) with 6% Employer Match — 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 (EVs) Referral Incentives Generous Paid Time Off2–4 Weeks of Vacation based on officer level plus additional tenure-based time.64 Hours of Paid Sick Time for all full-time employees. Protection & Peace of MindCompany-Paid Life Insurance Short- & Long-Term Disability InsuranceVoluntary Life, Accident & Critical Illness Coverage Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling, legal, and financial services. Now Hiring: Commercial Lending Attorney We're looking for a Commercial Lending Attorney who will serve as an in-house attorney providing broad legal support to an aggressively growing $2 Billion bank. This role focuses on commercial, C&I, consumer, real estate, and SBA litigation and transactions as well as corporate governance matters. You will partner closely with the business and executive teams to mitigate risk, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and support strategic initiatives with sound legal advice. Role also is responsible for litigating in the state of Florida and overseeing other multi-state litigations. Candidate must reside in Florida with an Active Florida Bar License. What You'll Contribute: Provide strategic legal counsel• Advise executive leadership and business units on a wide range of legal matters, delivering practical, business-oriented guidance• Translate complex laws and regulations into clear recommendations that support decision-making and organizational growth• Partner on strategic initiatives, new products, and operational changes to ensure legal soundness and regulatory alignmentLead collections and enforcement efforts• Manage collection litigation from initial strategy through judgment execution, ensuring efficient and effective recoveries• Evaluate enforcement options and collaborate with credit and risk teams to optimize outcomes• Drive consistency and discipline in collections processes while minimizing legal exposureOversee commercial litigation and dispute resolution• Serve as lead litigation counsel in Florida, handling pleadings, discovery, motions, and court appearances• Direct multi-state litigation by managing outside counsel, budgets, and case strategy• Represent the Bank in negotiations, mediations, and settlements while proactively identifying and mitigating dispute risksSupport real estate and C&I transactions• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial loan and real estate financing documents• Conduct legal due diligence and identify risks related to collateral, title, and transaction structure• Work closely with lenders and business stakeholders to ensure transactions are compliant and aligned with business objectivesDraft and negotiate contracts• Prepare and review a variety of agreements, including vendor, partnership, and confidentiality agreements• Ensure contracts appropriately mitigate risk and comply with legal and regulatory standards• Support improved contract processes, consistency, and risk awareness across the organizationProactively identify and mitigate legal risk• Advise on potential disputes, regulatory developments, and operational risks before they escalate• Partner with compliance and risk functions to strengthen policies, controls, and governance practices• Provide balanced recommendations that align risk management with business prioritiesCollaborate cross-functionally• Work closely with teams across lending, operations, compliance, and leadership to address legal issues early• Contribute to business initiatives by offering solutions that balance legal considerations with practical outcomes• Build strong relationships and serve as a trusted legal partner throughout the organizationSupport governance, compliance, and legal awareness• Assist in maintaining sound corporate governance and adherence to applicable regulations• Contribute to policy development and updates to reflect evolving legal requirements• Provide training and guidance to employees to strengthen understanding of legal risk and compliance expectationsChampion Our Mission, Protect What Matters• Adopt a commitment to environmental, social, economic, and racial justice.• Stay informed of applicable regulatory requirements and complete all mandatory compliance and IT training.• Pursue and demonstrate an understanding of established Bank policies, procedures, and regulations.• Question suspicious activity and collaborate closely with the respective department(s) to help prevent fraudulent activity. What makes a stand-out candidate: Experience & Education• Education & Bar Admission: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active membership in the Florida Bar; additional U.S. state bar admissions a plus. • Legal Experience: 5+ years of relevant legal practice (combined law firm and/or in-house). Substantial experience in consumer and commercial lending litigation (handling or supervising business disputes) and exposure to real estate lending transactions. Demonstrated knowledge of corporate law and governance principles.• Technical Skills: Strong legal drafting, negotiation, litigation, and collection skills. Familiarity with contract law, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment. Able to interpret complex statutes and regulations affecting the Company's operations. • Professional Standing: High ethical integrity and judgment. Licensed to practice law in good standing with no disciplinary history. Entrepreneurial & Strategic Legal ThinkerYou take ownership of your work and operate with a strong sense of accountability, delivering high-quality, business-focused legal outcomes. You are a proactive problem solver who anticipates risks before they arise and approaches challenges with a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset. You thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and are comfortable making sound decisions in complex or ambiguous situations while balancing legal risk with business objectives. Organization & EfficiencyYou manage multiple priorities with precision and discipline, staying organized and focused in a dynamic legal and business environment. You effectively track litigation, transactions, and deadlines without losing sight of key details. You appreciate structured processes but remain flexible and adaptable as priorities shift. Your ability to manage time, documentation, and competing demands ensures consistent, reliable execution. Master CommunicatorYou communicate with clarity, confidence, and professionalism across all levels of the organization. You have the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, easy-to-understand guidance for non-legal stakeholders. You are a strong listener who builds trust quickly and influences decision-making through sound judgment, credibility, and thoughtful communication. You excel in negotiations, dispute resolution, and advising senior leadership. Banking & Lending Legal AcumenYou bring strong knowledge of commercial lending, litigation, and financial services law, including regulatory frameworks affecting banks and lending institutions. You understand loan structures, credit risk, and real estate transactions, and can confidently interpret legal and financial documents. Your business acumen allows you to provide legal guidance that supports both compliance and profitability in a regulated environment. Analytical & Risk-Focused ThinkerYou approach legal work with a sharp analytical mindset, assessing risk from both a legal and business perspective. You identify potential issues early, evaluate options thoroughly, and provide clear, well-reasoned recommendations. You are comfortable working with complex information and use sound judgment to guide litigation strategy, transactional decisions, and risk mitigation efforts. Tech-Savvy & Efficiency-DrivenYou leverage technology to enhance productivity, improve legal processes, and create efficiencies across your work. You quickly adapt to new tools and systems, including document management, e-discovery platforms, contract lifecycle tools, and legal research databases. You embrace innovation and continuously seek ways to streamline workflows and improve outcomes. Commitment to Collaboration & PartnershipYou operate as a true business partner, building strong relationships across departments and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. You bring a positive, solutions-oriented mindset and contribute meaningfully to team success. You are dependable, approachable, and willing to step in where needed, always focused on supporting the broader organization while delivering excellent legal guidance. The Work Environment:Remote role within the Florida; Eastern Standard Hours.Occasional U.S. travel for company events or leadership sessions.Tobacco-Free employer. All employees must affirm to be non-smokers or affirm commitment to cessation within 90-days of offer acceptance.Sustained standing and sitting, frequent communication (speaking and listening) and use of PC, including typing or sustained attention to monitor, occasional lifting up to 20 lbs. Equal Opportunity Statement:At Climate First Bank we truly believe that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our success. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/VeteransE-Verify Statement: This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9