Paralegal - Commercial Banking

Summary

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company is seeking an experienced Paralegal to support its legal and lending operations with a primary focus on commercial lending transactions. The successful candidate will possess robust knowledge of Louisiana and Florida commercial laws, including secured transactions, real estate, and attorney-prepared loan documentation. This role is instrumental in facilitating efficient, compliant loan closings and supporting legal review processes that align with the bank’s risk and compliance standards.

This position may be considered for a hybrid work schedule (referring to a flexible work arrangement consisting of splitting time between working in-office and working remotely). Additionally, occasional travel between Louisiana and Florida may be required for closings or legal proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Review and assist in drafting attorney-prepared commercial loan documents including loan agreements, security agreements, and closing documents. 
• Ensure documentation aligns with applicable state laws and the Bank’s internal policies.
• Support compliance checks and verify the accuracy of legal descriptions, UCC filings, mortgages, and collateral records.
• Prepare closing checklists, coordinate with external counsel, title companies, and internal lending staff.
• Manage post-closing activities including recording and filing documentation, organizing loan files, and resolving outstanding items.
• Conduct legal research on matters affecting commercial lending.
• Monitor updates to state and federal commercial lending regulations and advise internal stakeholders accordingly.
• Maintain contract management systems and legal records related to commercial loan transactions.
• Draft or edit certain customer facing communications for review prior to submission.
• Provide paralegal support for non-litigation matters handled by outside counsel, such as opening matters and managing document exchange.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills/Experience/Education

• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree; Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-accredited program.
• A Certified Paralegal (CP®) or Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP®) designation, preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a paralegal, with at least 2 years focused on commercial lending.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Louisiana and Florida commercial and real estate law preferred.
• Familiarity with the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, mortgage instruments, and secured transaction requirements.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal document management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel as required to perform the essential job functions. 
• Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer may be required.
• Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 15 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division any “undue hardship” then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company and its subsidiaries is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, military and veteran status, physical and mental disability, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe in attracting, retaining, and promoting quality talent and recognize that our diversity is critical to the success of the company.