Legal Counsel - Transactional & Regulatory

About the Role

Join our dynamic legal team and help shape the future of commercial finance in the greater Chicago area. As a strategic legal advisor and business partner, your primary focus will be on high-impact matters, including leading transaction origination for equipment loans, leases, and other complex commercial financing arrangements. You will draft, review, and negotiate agreements, monitor U.S. federal and state regulatory developments (including data privacy requirements), and ensure compliance integration. Additionally, you will advise on supplier management and third-party risk.

The ideal candidate is initiative-taking, business-oriented, and capable of balancing legal risk with strategic objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Transactional Support: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents, including vendor program agreements, capital markets agreements, commercial finance contracts, leasing contracts, loan agreements, and related documentation.
• Supplier Management & Third-Party Risk: Provide strategic legal guidance on supplier relationships, including supplier onboarding, risk assessment, contract performance monitoring, and dispute resolution; assist procurement and operations teams in mitigating risks associated with supplier agreements.
• Department Operations: Participate in department operations, including the use of legal technology, appropriate AI tools, and template management, to ensure efficient workflows, compliance with organizational standards, and continuous process improvement.
• Regulatory Monitoring: Track and advise on changes in U.S. federal and state laws—including commercial lending, leasing, consumer protection, and data privacy—and collaborate with Compliance to integrate these changes into policies and processes.
• Compliance Support: Assist the Compliance team with day-to-day compliance matters, including interpreting regulatory requirements, conducting or supporting internal reviews and audits, responding to compliance inquiries, and helping to develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• External Counsel Management: In consultation with the General Counsel and internal stakeholders, help select and manage external counsel for transactions and litigation, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality services.
• Risk Management: Identify and help mitigate legal and business risks related to equipment leasing, lending, and financing arrangements.
• Professional Development: Maintain continuing legal education (CLE) with an emphasis on commercial finance, regulatory compliance, and other current legal matters.
• Provide legal support wherever needed, including supplier management, intellectual property, compliance initiatives, dispute resolution, and other day-to-day operational matters.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and manage outside counsel relationships to ensure timely, cost-effective solutions across the full spectrum of legal issues.
• Maintain strict adherence to North American internal control standards and all essential duties of the position.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Provide timely and accurate legal support for U.S.-based equipment and commercial finance originations.
• Ensure all legal documentation and filings comply with applicable U.S. federal and state laws and regulations.
• Successfully support integration and Compliance initiatives related to U.S. commercial lending, leasing, and data privacy requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with assigned business units (e.g., Sales, Operations, Credit, Risk, Compliance, and Capital Markets).
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and on time (e.g., contract reviews, template updates, outside counsel coordination, and compliance projects).

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of U.S. federal and state laws applicable to equipment finance, secured lending, leasing, and commercial transactions.
• Familiarity with UCC Article 2A and Article 9, contract law, litigation, and related regulatory requirements.
• Experience with litigation, transactions, restructuring, and workout matters, including distressed asset situations and renegotiation of financing agreements.
• Proven experience in contract review and negotiation across finance sectors, including leases, loans, assignments, syndicated loans, purchase orders, and security agreements.
• Ability to research and interpret laws, regulations, and case law to provide practical guidance.
• Skilled in drafting clear, enforceable agreements and revising templates for compliance and business needs.
• Ability to grasp the business rationale and address specific deal needs from transaction to transaction.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across departments and build strong business relationships.

Competencies

• Proactive Problem Solver: Anticipates challenges and develops practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Exceptional Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Critical Thinking & Cognitive Ability: Analyzes complex issues and applies sound legal reasoning.
• Analytical & Synthesis Skills: Gathers, interprets, and integrates information into actionable insights.
• Situational Awareness: Demonstrates adaptability and sound judgment in fast-paced environments.
• Technical and Professional: Maintains accuracy and thoroughness in applying legal knowledge and professional standards.
• Technology Proficiency: Ability to leverage modern legal technology and AI tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate.
• 5+ years of experience in commercial finance, including equipment leasing, lending, and commercial finance.

Licensing and Certification

Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Illinois, or the ability to obtain an in-house counsel license.

Tools and Equipment

• Copilot, Word, SharePoint, CLMs, law firm management software, Teams.
• Personal computer, copier, fax, phone, and other typical office equipment.

Location and Schedule

Position based in Itasca, Illinois. This is a full-time, exempt role requiring flexibility to meet business needs. Standard workweek is 40 hours; however, additional hours, including occasional evenings, may be necessary during peak periods, transaction closings, or special projects.

Occasional travel related to attendance at industry seminars and visiting out-of-state and out-of-country business locations.

Physical Demands

• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination to operate office equipment.
• Light lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues in person or via phone, with or without the use of assistive technologies or reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel between office locations as required to perform job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay

The salary range for this position is between $149,500.00 and $180,000.00, with an opportunity to earn a discretionary annual bonus. The salary range is determined based on internal equity, market data, the applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, and education.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) and matching.
• Paid Time Off.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee discounts.