Transactional Attorney

First American Bank was founded in Chicago, and over the years has expanded throughout Wisconsin and Florida. As the largest privately held bank in Illinois, we now have over 60 locations and assets of $5+ billion. We are a community bank at heart with international expertise, traditional values, and a forward-looking philosophy. Our employees have the experience and vision to meet the needs of savers, borrowers, and businesses in the 21st century. First American Bank can offer employees a level of visibility, career growth, and stability that is difficult to find in many larger corporations.

The Transactional Attorney provides legal advice, drafts, and negotiates documents, handles closings, and handles other legal matters related to commercial lending, trade finance, letters of credit, retail loan documentation and commercial collections. In addition, this individual will assist in the management of the Commercial Legal team.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as an attorney for legal matters related to commercial lending, trade finance, letters of credit, retail loan documentation, and commercial collections.

Assist the Associate General Counsel in overseeing the production of commercial loan documentation done internally. Generally, commercial loans from around $250,000 through $10,000,000 will be documented internally by the Commercial Legal Team.

Read and understand loan write-ups as approved by the appropriate loan committee. Lead the reviewal and approval of loan commitment letters sent to commercial borrowers, including search results with the lender, and if necessary, the borrower and its legal counsel, and draft loan documents with borrower’s legal counsel and resolve any disagreements or issues concerning the loan documents.

Supervise the Legal staff to produce the necessary loan documents and ensure all terms are consistent with the loan write-up.

Draft custom provisions for loan documents for complex and high-dollar transactions.

Advise Commercial Lenders on deal structure and necessary steps for lien perfection.

Assist in managing the Laser Pro loan documentation system and other computer systems used by the department. Update the department's forms and forms in the Laser Pro system as necessary.

Coordinate the production of loan documentation produced by the Bank’s outside attorneys. Generally, outside legal counsel will document commercial loans in excess of $10,000,000 or with unique collateral or unique documentation. Some examples are large construction development loans, leveraged buyouts, industrial revenue bonds, and out-of-state borrowers.

Provide legal assistance to retail and small business departments. Commercial loans under $250,000 and all retail/consumer loans are documented and handled by different departments of the Bank. However, this individual will provide legal guidance if they encounter any unusual documentation issues.

Assist the Commercial Lenders with their collection efforts. The individual may produce default letters and forbearance agreements as part of any collection effort. If a loan requires stronger legal collection efforts, such as filing complaints and foreclosures, this individual will work with outside counsel, and oversee their collection and litigation efforts.

This individual may represent the Bank and handle real estate sales, and closings for Bank owned commercial real estate.

Provide general legal assistance to the Commercial Loan Department. As an attorney working in the Commercial Loan Department, this individual will be expected to provide legal advice to the Commercial Lenders on a myriad of other subjects. This can include such topics as reviewing confidentiality agreements, reviewing, and approving construction draws, advising the lender on how to handle changed circumstances of the borrower or covenant violations, or supervising the proper response for commercial subpoenas and discovery requests.

Provide legal assistance to the Trade Finance Department. Review draft standby letters of credit. Provide oversight for the letter of credit documentation process.

Review non-disclosure agreements.

Negotiate deposit account control agreements.

Draft and negotiate leases for Bank-owned property and property leased by the Bank.

Provide general legal advice to the Bank and its holding company on commercial and corporate matters.

Understand the compliance and regulatory issues affecting the commercial lending area and assist with any issues, as assigned by the General Counsel, affecting the consumer lending area.

Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Juris Doctorate or Master of Laws degree required from an accredited law school.

This individual must be licensed to practice law in Illinois.

A minimum of two years general legal practice.

Experience in commercial law, banking law, and/or real estate law required.

Experience with real estate closings is desired.

Initiative, superior organizational skills, proven multitasking ability, attention to detail, and an aptitude toward working independently are all vital traits for this position.

Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.

Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.

Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.

Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.

Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.

Occasional travel to other First American Bank locations, Bank functions and training facilities may be required. Out-of-state travel may be required.

This individual may occasionally be asked to attend outside conferences, training sessions, or meet with outside legal counsel.

Typical hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.