Associate Attorney - Commercial Lending

Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus opportunities

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. seeks an Associate Attorney to join its commercial lending practice in Chattanooga, TN. The role focuses on representing banking clients in real estate lending, subordinated debt, and other secured financings across the Southeast.

The ideal candidate has at least 4 years of experience, excellent research and writing skills, and is eligible to practice in Tennessee or willing to be licensed. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active and in good standing with the Georgia Bar and willing to become licensed in Tennessee.
• Strong research, writing, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial loan documents including loan agreements, security deeds, notes, security agreements, guaranties, and intercreditor agreements.
• Structure and document complex lending transactions (senior/subordinated debt, construction loans, revolvers, term loans, asset-based loans).
• Coordinate multi-jurisdictional transactions and work with local counsel as needed.
• Conduct due diligence on borrowers, collateral, and corporate structures; review UCC searches and title reports.
• Identify legal risks and ensure compliance with lending laws and regulations; stay current on banking regulation changes.
• Develop and update form documents and internal policies; handle troubled loan situations, workouts, and restructurings.

Skills

Research

Writing

Analytical

Communication

Teamwork

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

For over a century, Chambliss has been more than just a law firm—we're a trusted partner to businesses, families and individuals across the Southeast and beyond. As a growing, mid-sized firm, we offer the sophisticated resources and diverse client base of a large firm with the collaborative culture and direct client access of a boutique practice. We are actively seeking an Associate Attorney to join our commercial lending practice. This position involves the opportunity to benefit from succession planning initiatives with respect to our established bank clients. A successful candidate will have at least 4 years of experience in commercial real estate lending, business lending and other financing transactions.

Location: This role is based in our Chattanooga, TN office. Candidates must be willing to commute or relocate to be considered. However, the focus of this position will be to serve banking clients not only in the Chattanooga area, but also North Georgia and the Atlanta area.

FLSA status: Exempt

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial loan documents including loan agreements, security deeds, promissory notes, security agreements, guaranties, and intercreditor agreements
• Structure and document complex commercial lending transactions including senior and subordinated debt, construction loan agreements, revolving credit facilities, term loans, and asset-based loans
• Coordinate multi-jurisdictional transactions and work with local counsel as needed
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence on borrowers, collateral (both real and personal property), and corporate structures
• Review and analyze UCC searches, title reports, corporate documents, and financial statements
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with lending transactions
• Ensure compliance with federal and state lending laws and regulations
• Stay current on changes in banking regulations
• Develop and update form documents and internal policies
• Handle troubled loan situations, workouts, and restructurings
• Collaborate with relationship managers, credit analysts, and underwriters

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active and in good standing with the Georgia Bar and willing to become licensed in Tennessee.
• Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Financial

Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits Package:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health and wellness programs

Professional Development

• CLE support and continuing education funding
• Opportunities to attend and present at industry conferences
• Professional membership dues coverage

Chambliss is committed to being one of the best law firms to work for in our region. We are actively searching for highly qualified people to work as attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff personnel.

Chambliss strives to attract a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.