Counsel- Mortgage Loans (Hybrid Birmingham, AL)

About the Role

This professional officer role is designed for a licensed attorney with substantial legal experience in commercial mortgage lending and related legal matters. The position is responsible for providing and managing legal support for the Company’s investment activities, including the review and drafting of loan commitments, the closing of new mortgage loans, compliance with regulatory requirements, and ongoing legal administration of the investment portfolio.

The incumbent should have significant experience, typically five or more years, in commercial real estate lending and/or private practice with a specialization in this area. A strong commitment to quality, responsiveness, and customer service is essential to maintaining and strengthening long-term business relationships.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Company’s mortgage loan investments are safeguarded through the preparation, review, analysis, negotiation, and modification of the legal documents securing its investments.
• Perform all legal work associated with the closing of the Company’s commercial mortgage loans, including:
  • Drafting, negotiation, and review of loan commitments, loan documents, and other legal documents.
  • Reviewing title commitments, surveys, and title policies for property serving as collateral.
  • Reviewing due diligence materials to ensure compliance with loan commitment requirements.
  • Coordinating with outside counsel in all aspects of closing the Company’s loan commitments for commercial mortgage loans.
• Ensure proper maintenance of the Company’s loan portfolio by providing timely legal documentation of changes to portfolio loans or the properties securing them (e.g., partial releases, consents to easements, replatting, loan modifications, and loan assumptions).
• Serve as Legal Advisor to the Investment Department:
  • Support and facilitate the decision-making process.
  • Assist and advise in the development of policies and procedures to respond to regulatory and legislative requirements.
• Manage and train one or more legal support staff (e.g., legal secretaries, legal assistants, and paralegals).
• Be proactive and creative in finding legal solutions for the business and competitive needs of the Company, particularly relating to creative investment opportunities (e.g., participating loan programs, loan pools, new real estate ownership, and lending models).
• Other duties as assigned by senior management.

Requirements

• Licensed attorney with 5+ years of negotiating and legal drafting skills equivalent to a partner at a major law firm.
• Breadth of industry knowledge and contacts (both legal and business) are essential.
• Meticulous attention to detail and negotiating stamina to protect and ensure the quality of the Company’s investments.
• Strong commitment to customer service and development of long-term business relationships.
• At least 50% of the incumbent’s time is spent in communication with outside customers, mortgage bankers, brokers, and counsel for the parties to the mortgage transactions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Mental health benefits and an employee assistance program.
• Paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day).
• Financial wellbeing benefits, including contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching.
• ProHealth Rewards, a platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.

Pay

Protective’s targeted salary range for this position is $95,500 to $140,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. This position also offers additional incentive opportunities through an annual incentive based on individual and Company performance.