Commercial Lending Attorney (SVP)
Climate First Bank · United States · remote
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.
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. 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; employer contribution for dependents by Us
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Free Telemedicine access via Teladoc
Financial Wellness & Wealth Building
- 401(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 Off
- 2–4 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 Mind
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary 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 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
Support 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 objectives
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 escalate
• Partner with compliance and risk functions to strengthen policies, controls, and governance practices
• Provide balanced recommendations that align risk management with business priorities
Collaborate 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 organization
Support 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 expectations
Champion 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