Associate

James Bates Brannan Groover LLP; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

James Bates Brannan Groover LLP seeks an experienced associate for its Commercial Lending and Commercial Real Estate practice in Atlanta. The right candidate will take ownership of discrete workstreams, coordinating with partners, clients, and title companies to move deals toward closing.

The role requires 4+ years of transactional experience in lending or real estate, strong drafting/negotiation skills, and admission to the Georgia Bar (or eligibility).

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant transactional experience in commercial lending or commercial real estate.
• Experience drafting and negotiating commercial loan documents and related agreements.
• Experience reviewing title, surveys, due diligence, and collateral materials.
• Ability to manage closing checklists, coordinate deliverables, and communicate issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and revising commercial loan documents, purchase and sale agreements, leases, amendments, and related transaction documents.
• Reviewing title commitments, surveys, UCC searches, organizational and authority documents, and other due diligence items.
• Identifying and communicating legal, title, collateral, closing, and lender-risk issues in a practical, client-focused manner.
• Managing transaction checklists, coordinating closing deliverables, and driving matters toward closing with limited supervision.
• Working directly with clients, borrowers, sellers, buyers, title companies, local counsel, and other third parties on due diligence, documentation, and closing logistics.
• Supporting SBA and USDA lending transactions, including review of program-specific collateral and closing requirements.
• Preparing clear written summaries, issue lists, and client communications for partner review and client use.

Skills

Drafting & negotiating

Closing coordination

Client communication

Georgia Bar admission

Job description

James Bates Brannan Groover, LLP, a leading law firm with offices in Atlanta, Athens, and Macon, Georgia, is seeking an experienced associate to join its Commercial Lending and Commercial Real Estate practice in Atlanta.

At JBBG, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We’re committed to cultivating a supportive and dynamic environment where attorneys can thrive while providing excellent service to our clients. Our firm is grounded in four core values: servant leadership, excellence, integrity, and respect for others; principles that guide both our work and our workplace culture.

Our practice handles a broad range of transactional matters, including commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing transactions, and commercial lending transactions of all kinds, including traditional real estate and construction lending and government-guaranteed lending under SBA and USDA loan programs. The group represents bank and nonbank lenders, closely held businesses, religious and nonprofit institutions, developers, purchasers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.

As an associate, you will take ownership of discrete transaction workstreams while working closely with partners, senior attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, title companies, surveyors, lenders, borrowers, and other deal participants. Responsibilities may include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and revising commercial loan documents, purchase and sale agreements, leases, amendments, assignments, closing certificates, authority documents, and related transaction documents
• Reviewing title commitments, surveys, UCC searches, organizational documents, authority documents, zoning materials, franchise materials, insurance evidence, and other due diligence items
• Identifying and communicating legal, title, collateral, closing, and lender-risk issues in a practical and client-focused manner
• Managing transaction checklists, coordinating closing deliverables, and driving matters toward closing with limited supervision
• Working directly with clients, borrowers, sellers, buyers, title companies, local counsel, and other third parties on due diligence, documentation, and closing logistics
• Supporting SBA and USDA lending transactions, including review of program-specific collateral, eligibility, franchise, lease, and closing requirements
• Preparing clear written summaries, issue lists, and client communications for partner review and client use

Our team takes a practical, collaborative approach to client service and attorney development. Associates are expected to exercise judgment, manage competing priorities, communicate clearly, and help move transactions forward. This position is designed for an attorney who wants meaningful deal responsibility, direct client exposure, and a path to continued growth in the commercial real estate and commercial lending practice areas.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant transactional experience in commercial lending, commercial real estate, or a closely related practice
• Experience drafting and negotiating commercial loan documents, purchase and sale agreements, closing documents, and related transaction agreements
• Experience reviewing title, survey, due diligence, organizational, authority, and collateral materials
• Ability to manage closing checklists, coordinate transaction deliverables, and communicate open issues clearly and promptly
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple matters independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft concise client-facing correspondence and practical issue summaries
• Interest in developing a long-term practice in commercial lending, commercial real estate, and related transactional work
• Admitted to the Georgia Bar and in good standing, or admitted in another state and eligible and willing to seek admission in Georgia