Closing Attorney

Connectone-Bank; Englewood Cliffs (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World class health, vision, and dental

401k with employer match

Hybrid work from home

Employee appreciation events

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discount perks

Community service events

Job summary

ConnectOne Bank is seeking a Closing Attorney for its Legal Department, focusing on commercial real estate and C&I loan closings. You will bridge lenders, Closing, and Legal teams to ensure compliant, accurate loan execution.

You will monitor federal/state banking regulations, provide guidance, and help implement internal policies for governance and regulatory compliance. A JD and active NJ/NY bar admission with 3–5 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the New Jersey and/or New York State Bars.
• 3–5 years of relevant legal practice in commercial lending or real estate law.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Bank in commercial real estate and C&I loan closings.
• Document and close loans in accordance with bank policies and legal standards.
• Monitor legal developments impacting lending regulations and guidance.
• Collaborate with lenders, Closing Department, and Legal Department to ensure seamless loan execution.
• Review and finalize loan documentation to protect bank assets.
• Assist in implementing internal policies related to banking regulations and governance.

Skills

People First approach

Knowledge of banking regulations

Commercial real estate & C&I closing

Conflict resolution

Negotiation & communication

Judgment & decision-making

Interpersonal skills

Detail oriented & organized

Bar admission (NJ/NY)

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Description

About us:

ConnectOne Bank proves that putting people first is a better way to do business. At ConnectOne, we’re builders — of businesses, communities, and equity. Most importantly, we’re building opportunities. Our mission is to ensure our employees feel empowered to make important decisions, reach their potential and truly make an impact.

ConnectOne is a growth organization by design; it is part of our DNA and we take pride in seeing our employees grow with us. Founded in 2005 by an entrepreneur, we have grown into a high-performing commercial bank, inspiring a new model for our industry’s future. By embracing technology and all the ways it can help us become a world-class service organization, we support small business owners by fueling their mission.

People First is the blueprint for our culture. It is at the foundation of everything we do and the decisions we make. At ConnectOne, you have the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic culture and team. Develop your forward-thinking skills, thrive in an entrepreneurial setting, and succeed at “a better place to be”.

ConnectOne Bank is an Equal Housing and Equal Opportunity Lender, and a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

About this role:

The Closing Attorney represents the Bank in commercial real estate and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) loan closings. This role serves as a critical bridge between lenders, the Closing Department, and the Legal Department, ensuring that all loan transactions are executed accurately and in compliance with bank policies and legal standards.

In this role you will:

• Support the Bank’s “People First” focus and rules of engagement—maintaining a professional demeanor, working as an active member of the CNOB team, providing all clients excellent service, always striving to make CNOB “A Better Place to Be”.
• Monitors for legal developments and provides guidance on federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations as well as other industry developments, regulatory trends and announcements related to the lending function.
• Represent the Bank’s interests during all aspects of credit extension, including documenting and closing commercial real estate and C&I loans.
• Collaborate closely with lenders, the Closing Department, and the Legal Department to facilitate seamless loan execution.
• Provide comprehensive support to the Closing Department and lending teams regarding loan-related matters and inquiries.
• Review and finalize loan documentation to ensure legal sufficiency and protection of the Bank’s assets.
• Assists in the implementation of internal policies in the areas of banking regulations and corporate governance related to the lending function.

Must haves:

• Strong “People First” interest and ability.
• Knowledge of relevant Federal and State banking regulations.
• Proven expertise in commercial real estate and C&I loan documentation and closing procedures.
• Conflict resolution experience.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills (written and oral).
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented with strong organization skills.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the New Jersey and/or New York State Bars
• 3–5 years of relevant legal practice experience, specifically within commercial lending or real estate law.

Additional information

Benefits:

• World class health, vision, and dental benefits on day one
• 401k with employer match
• Hybrid work from home (depending on role)
• Employee appreciation events (team building, softball games, food truck days, etc..)
• Employee assistance programs (EAP)
• Wellness programs (flu shot, preventive care, health programs and services discounts, etc..)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Discount perks
• CNOB Community Service Events

…and much, much more!

Studies have shown that individuals from underrepresented groups, may only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Roles evolve over time, especially with innovation, and you may be just the person we need. We hope you're open to learning new skills and growing with us. We encourage you to apply to continue making us “a better place to be!”

ConnectOne Bank is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to any term, condition or privilege of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, or status of an individual in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

ConnectOne Bank also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Talent Acquisition.