Commercial Attorney (Remote/Temp)

We 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.

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.

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.

Thrive at Climate First Bank

At Climate First Bank, we're investing in your future. Please note that benefit eligibility varies by employment status and that benefits for part-time employees may differ from those listed below.

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; Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Financial Wellness & Wealth Building

Employee Stock Options

Exclusive Employee Banking Perks

Employee Only Mortgage Product with exclusive interest rates and terms.

64 Hours of Paid Sick Time for all full-time employees.

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance

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. 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 alignment

Lead 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 exposure

Oversee 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 risks

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

Draft 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 organization

Proactively identify and mitigate legal risk

Advise on potential disputes, regulatory developments, and operational risks before they escal

Partner with compliance and risk functions to strengthen policies, controls, and governance practices

Provide balanced recommendations that align risk management with business priorities

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 organization

Support governance, compliance, and legal awareness

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 expectations

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.

from an accredited law school. 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.

Licensed to practice law in good standing with no disciplinary history.

Entrepreneurial & Strategic Legal Thinker

You 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.

You 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. You have the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, easy-to-understand guidance for non-legal stakeholders. You excel in negotiations, dispute resolution, and advising senior leadership.

Banking & Lending Legal Acumen

You 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 Thinker

You approach legal work with a sharp analytical mindset, assessing risk from both a legal and business perspective. You are comfortable working with complex information and use sound judgment to guide litigation strategy, transactional decisions, and risk mitigation efforts.

You 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. Commitment to Collaboration & Partnership

You operate as a true business partner, building strong relationships across departments and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. You are dependable, approachable, and willing to step in where needed, always focused on supporting the broader organization while delivering excellent legal guidance.

Remote role within the Florida; S. travel for company events or leadership sessions.

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.

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.

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.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.