Corporate Counsel | Equipment Finance

Corporate Counsel | Equipment Finance | Costa Mesa, CA

Altius Search Group is recruiting for an entry-level Corporate Counsel on behalf of one of our clients in the Equipment Finance Industry.

A privately held equipment finance and leasing company, headquartered in Southern California, is seeking a Corporate Counsel to join its in-house legal team. This is a full-time opportunity supporting a broad range of financial and commercial transactions within a dynamic and growth-oriented organization. The company provides tailored financing solutions to Fortune 1000 clients, healthcare systems, and educational institutions, and originates over $500 million in new lease transactions annually.

The Corporate Counsel will work closely with internal departments, including sales, credit, contracts, and executive leadership. This role offers a unique opportunity for a junior attorney to gain direct transactional experience in equipment finance and commercial lending while supporting strategic business initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial finance agreements, including equipment financing transactions, asset-backed lending, and secured loans involving various types of collateral, such as vehicles, IT equipment, and heavy equipment.

• Manage deal flow from start to finish in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

• Conduct legal due diligence, advise internal stakeholders on structure and risk, and provide clear guidance throughout the transaction process.

• Review and negotiate ancillary agreements, including NDAs, vendor contracts, and general commercial documents.

• Engage and oversee outside counsel in matters related to litigation or special projects.

• Contribute to the development and improvement of internal templates, legal processes, and best practices.

• Monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations and educate business partners on the potential impact.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure legal compliance and mitigate contractual risks.

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school

• Member in good standing of the California Bar (or eligible to register as in-house counsel)

• 1–3 years of legal experience, preferably in equipment finance, commercial lending, or secured transactions

• Solid working knowledge of UCC Article 9; familiarity with Article 2A is a plus

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts into practical business guidance

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism

• Experience or familiarity with bankruptcy law is a plus

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Business-minded and detail-oriented, with a collaborative and proactive approach

• Comfortable working with large corporate clients and senior-level stakeholders

• Thrives in a deadline-driven, team-based environment with evolving priorities

This is a great opportunity for a motivated legal professional to grow within a supportive legal department at a long-standing, reputable finance company.