Emerging Middle Market Attorney - Vice President, Assistant General Counsel

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Family: Counsel

About the Role

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.9 trillion and operations worldwide. We operate in over 100 markets, providing innovative solutions to clients across investment banking, consumer and community banking, commercial banking, and asset and wealth management. In the Emerging Middle Market group within Commercial Banking, we focus on delivering tailored financing solutions to growing companies with revenues between $10 million and $500 million, helping them navigate dynamic markets and scale their businesses. As an Emerging Middle Market Attorney - Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role as the trusted legal advisor, ensuring our bankers and underwriters can innovate and execute deals while staying ahead of regulatory and market challenges. Based in our Chicago office, this position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact transactions in a collaborative, high-energy environment. In this role, you will provide expert legal counsel on a wide range of middle market lending activities, including syndicated loans, asset-based financing, and acquisition financings tailored to emerging sectors like technology, healthcare, and sustainable energy. You will draft and negotiate complex documentation, conduct thorough due diligence, and identify potential risks to protect JPMorgan Chase's interests. Collaborating closely with business teams, compliance officers, and external counsel, you will help structure deals that align with our risk appetite and drive client success. Your work will directly support the growth of our Emerging Middle Market franchise, advising on cutting-edge products that address evolving client needs in a competitive landscape. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced setting, combining deep legal acumen with business savvy to influence strategic decisions. At JPMorgan Chase, we value diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where your unique perspective can shape our approach to financial innovation. This position reports to the Head of Legal for Commercial Banking and offers significant opportunities for career advancement within one of the world's most respected financial institutions. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the future of middle market finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to Emerging Middle Market bankers and underwriters on lending transactions and deal structuring
• Draft, review, and negotiate credit agreements, security documents, and related financing agreements
• Assess and mitigate legal risks associated with innovative middle market products and emerging market opportunities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including compliance, risk management, and business development
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes impacting middle market banking and advise on compliance strategies
• Support due diligence processes for potential deals, identifying key legal issues
• Mentor junior legal staff and contribute to training on financial services law
• Handle litigation and dispute resolution matters related to middle market portfolios
• Develop and implement legal policies to support business growth in emerging segments

Required Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one state bar
• 7+ years of relevant legal experience in financial services, banking, or corporate law
• Strong knowledge of lending, credit agreements, and regulatory compliance in middle market financing
• Experience advising on emerging market trends and innovative financial products
• Proven ability to manage complex legal risks in a fast-paced banking environment
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with senior bankers and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in middle market lending or emerging markets at a major financial institution
• Familiarity with JPMorgan Chase's internal policies and risk management frameworks
• Background in drafting and negotiating commercial loan documentation
• Knowledge of Dodd-Frank Act and other banking regulations
• Prior role in a corporate legal department of a bank or financial services firm

Required Skills

• Expertise in commercial lending and credit documentation
• Regulatory compliance knowledge in banking and finance
• Contract negotiation and drafting proficiency
• Risk assessment and mitigation techniques
• Analytical thinking for complex financial transactions
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Collaboration and teamwork in multidisciplinary environments
• Attention to detail in legal reviews
• Adaptability to evolving market trends
• Project management for deal timelines
• Knowledge of UCC and secured transactions
• Interpersonal skills for stakeholder advising
• Time management in high-pressure settings
• Research skills for legal precedents
• Ethical judgment in financial services

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness resources
• On-site fitness centers and wellness programs at Chicago offices
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work options

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.