Closing Attorney

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Loan Review and Structuring
• Analyze transaction structures and resolve legal, collateral, documentation, perfection, title, authority, and documentation issues.
• Identify, assess, mitigate, and, where appropriate, escalate legal, collateral, regulatory, or reputational risks as appropriate requiring management review.
• Documentation and Closing
• Prepare, review, and finalize loan documentation to ensure legal enforceability and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Collaborate with Loan Closers and Paralegals to ensure all closing requirements are satisfied prior to funding.
• Review title commitments, surveys, UCC searches, lien searches, judgment searches, flood determinations, and other due diligence items.
• Review collateral documentation to ensure proper attachment and perfection of the Bank's security interest.
• Oversee and coordinate remote, hybrid, and in-person loan closings, ensuring all loan documents are properly executed, notarized, witnessed, recorded, and legally enforceable in accordance with applicable jurisdictional requirements.
• Transaction Coordination
• Serve as the primary legal contact for internal stakeholders, borrower/seller counsel, title companies, escrow agents, franchise representatives, and other third parties throughout the closing process.
• Collaborate with Closing, Underwriting, Construction Lending, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants to satisfy closing requirements and facilitate timely funding.
• Provide status updates, legal guidance, and recommendations regarding documentation, collateral, title, perfection, and closing matters.
• Funding and Post-Closing Support
• Review funding requests, settlement statements, and disbursement documentation to ensure compliance with approved loan terms, use-of-proceeds requirements, and SBA regulations.
• Aid in post-closing corrections, collateral perfection, curative actions, and other legal matters as required.
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Maintain expertise in applicable SBA requirements, lending regulations, and Bank policies to ensure compliant transaction structuring and closing.
• Assist with internal audits, quality control reviews, regulatory examinations, and investor due diligence requests.
• Support implementation of procedural enhancements and best practices designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational risk.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in commercial lending, SBA lending, commercial real estate transactions, or secured lending preferred.
• Experience closing SBA 7(a), SBA 504, commercial term loans, lines of credit, and commercial real estate transactions preferred.
• Experience reviewing acquisition transactions involving asset purchases, stock purchases, and membership interest purchases preferred.
• Strong understanding of SBA lending requirements, SBA Standard Operating Procedures, and related program regulations.
• Knowledge of commercial loan documentation, secured transactions, collateral perfection, UCC filings, title insurance, and real estate lending.
• Familiarity with commercial real estate transactions, leasehold interests, tenant estoppels, surveys, and title matters.
• Understanding of entity structures, organizational documents, corporate authority, and contract interpretation.
• Working knowledge of bankruptcy, judgment, lien, and litigation matters affecting loan transactions.
• Strong analytical and issue-spotting skills with the ability to independently identify and resolve complex legal and documentation issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet production goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with internal departments, borrowers, outside counsel, title companies, and other third parties.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and loan origination/document preparation systems.
• Ability to exercise sound legal and business judgment while balancing risk management and customer service objectives.

Education & Certification Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one state bar and in good standing.