Commercial Banking Attorney

Description

About Bankwell:

Bankwell is a commercial bank with over $3 billion in assets, offering privately owned businesses, their owners, executives, and high-net-worth individuals personalized, technologically advanced banking solutions. We are committed to delivering exceptional service through a single point of contact—the private client team—composed of experienced financial professionals working in alignment to ensure businesses and individuals are well-banked.

Our team members and their clients benefit from an organizational focus on personal growth and technological innovation across business lines. These commitments enable Bankwell private client teams to offer robust products and deliver financial solutions to unique industry niches with speed, efficiency, and care.

Learn more about Bankwell at www.mybankwell.com.

Requirements

Summary of Position:

The Commercial Banking Attorney will be primarily responsible for providing legal support to the Commercial Banking department regarding the drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial loan documents. The Attorney will partner closely with internal business units to review third-party contracts, assist with regulatory compliance, conduct legal research, coordinate with external counsel regarding documentation and legal issues.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently review, draft and negotiate transactional and other documentation relevant to commercial lending, including term sheets, loan agreements, guarantees, inter-creditor agreements, DACA/DAISA, engagement letters, marketing materials and offering documents, default notices, demand letters, reservation of rights letters, forbearance agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Review and negotiate vendor contracts, service agreements, and other third-party arrangements to mitigate legal risks.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (e.g., Loan Operations, Compliance, Credit, Risk Management, Product Development) on legal matters, product development, and risk management strategies.
• Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis on a variety of legal and regulatory issues to provide strategic advice to internal stakeholders.
• Engage and actively manage outside counsel with a view to reducing legal spend and mitigating potential conflicts while providing "best in class" legal support for the business.
• Assist with special projects as needed, such as the development of new loan products and services. 
• Advise the Bank on various regulatory matters, including but not limited to federal and state banking regulations, Fair Lending Laws, AML, BSA, and other applicable laws.
• Stay abreast of evolving financial laws, regulations, and industry trends, including those related to technology, innovation, and cybersecurity.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Active and in good standing member of the Connecticut Bar
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in commercial banking law
• Strong experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial loan documentation, with a particular focus on Commercial Mortgages and Lines of Credit
• Comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements for financial institutions, including relevant federal and state banking laws 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Experience with any or all of the following areas is a plus: SBA loans, DACA regulations, Fintech and a “work-out" environment 

Location:

• New Canaan, CT

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job titles or routine job duties.

Bankwell is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of Americans with Disabilities Act and certain other state or local laws. Please inform Bankwell’s Human Resources representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

All employees are responsible for complying with banking regulations that apply to Bankwell. This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to the BSA and various consumer protection regulations, and complying with OFAC sanctions. Employees are required to complete compliance training and follow policies and procedures for applicable regulations based on their role. An employee’s failure to comply with banking regulations will be individually reviewed and assessed. The result of non-compliance may impact job performance ratings and may be serious enough to require termination of employment.