Associate Attorney– Real Estate Finance (Chicago)

The People Of: Professional Services; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A national real estate finance practice is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney with 4-6 years of experience in commercial real estate finance to manage complex lending transactions. The ideal candidate will advise financial institutions, support loan origination matters, and draft loan agreements while collaborating closely with institutional clients. This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity for professional development within a highly regarded practice in Illinois.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in commercial real estate finance or secured lending.
• Prior experience working in a law firm.
• Familiarity with loan origination and secured lending structures.

Responsibilities

• Advise lenders on commercial real estate financing transactions.
• Draft and negotiate loan agreements and security documents.
• Conduct due diligence related to real estate assets.

Skills

Commercial real estate finance

Secured lending

Drafting and negotiation

Transactional due diligence

Strong communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active Illinois Bar membership

Job description

Associate Attorney – Real Estate Finance

Advert Code: MLFS 150

A leading national real estate finance practice is seeking a mid‑level associate (4–6 years’ experience) to join its growing transactional team. This opportunity offers the chance to work on sophisticated real estate lending transactions representing financial institutions and commercial lenders across a wide range of asset classes.

Associates in this practice gain hands‑on experience managing complex financing transactions while collaborating with experienced attorneys and institutional clients on high‑value deals.

The Opportunity

You will advise lenders and financial institutions on commercial real estate financing transactions, including loan originations and secured lending arrangements. The practice handles sophisticated real estate‑backed financing matters involving developers, institutional lenders, and other market participants.

Associates are given meaningful responsibility managing transactions, coordinating diligence efforts, and negotiating core loan documentation throughout the deal lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with commercial real estate lending transactions involving institutional lenders and financial institutions
• Support loan origination matters for real‑estate‑backed financing arrangements
• Draft and negotiate loan agreements, security documents, and collateral instrumentsConduct and coordinate transactional due diligence relating to real‑estate assets and collateral structures
• Work on transactions involving asset‑based lending structures secured by real‑estate and related collateral
• Collaborate with clients, internal deal teams, and counterparties to manage deals from structuring through closing

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 4–6 years of experience in commercial real‑estate finance or secured lending within a sophisticated law firm environment
• JD required and prior experience working in a law firm
• Experience representing financial institutions or lenders in real‑estate financing transactions
• Familiarity with loan origination, secured lending structures, and real‑estate collateral arrangements
• Exposure to developer‑side transactions involving acquisition, sale, or financing of real‑estate is beneficial
• Excellent academic credentials and strong drafting, communication, and organizational skills
• Active Illinois Bar membership or eligibility to obtain admission

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to work on sophisticated real‑estate financing transactions with major financial institutions
• Exposure to a diverse range of real‑estate asset classes and lending structures
• Significant responsibility managing deals and interacting directly with clients
• A collaborative practice offering clear opportunities for professional development and advancement

This role is ideal for a finance associate seeking to deepen their expertise in commercial real‑estate lending while working within a highly regarded transactional practice.

To be considered, please contact Freddie at [e-mail] with your resume, cover letter, and law school transcript, deal sheet/representative matters.

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