Associate - Real Estate Finance (Chicago, IL; New York, NY)

Vedder Price; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Bonus Program

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Opportunities

Work-Life Balance Policies

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Vedder Price is seeking an associate to join their Real Estate team in New York or Chicago. The role involves working with a motivated team on diverse real estate transactions, including construction loans and commercial leases, while providing exceptional client service.

Candidates should have 3-5 years of real estate finance experience and hold a J.D. degree. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary ranging from $240,000 to $320,000 annually along with substantial benefits.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in real estate finance.
• Experience representing lenders and investors.
• Admitted to practice in Illinois or New York.

Responsibilities

• Participate in business development and client-facing activities.
• Work closely with shareholders.
• Contribute to a diverse multidisciplinary practice.

Skills

Real estate finance experience

Closing acquisitions and dispositions

Negotiating commercial leases

Ability to work independently

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an associate to join the Real Estate team in our Chicago or New York office. Our cohesive and collaborative team has a diverse and unique multidisciplinary practice that gives you the opportunity to work closely with shareholders and to participate in business development and client‑facing activities. Our platform supports and encourages career development and thrives on excellent client service.

About You

• You have 3-5 years of real estate finance experience representing lenders and investors in permanent, construction and mezzanine loan transactions (ideally involving commercial, health care, auto, office, multifamily, retail and industrial properties).
• You have experience closing acquisitions and dispositions and negotiating commercial leases (office, retail, warehouse, and industrial).
• You have the ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in a fast‑paced and intellectually challenging environment.
• You have a J.D. degree and strong academic credentials, and you are admitted in (and in good standing with), or are taking steps to become admitted in, Illinois or New York.

Please submit the following required documents with your application:

• Resume / CV
• Unofficial Law School Transcript

About Us

• We offer top‑tier, interesting work in a more personalized work environment.
• We allow you to accept as much responsibility and client contact as you are ready to assume.
• We provide substantial professional development assistance in the form of training, mentoring and performance feedback.
• Our compensation and benefits structure is competitive.
• We offer a hybrid work policy with three days a week in‑office attendance and two days remote.

Our Benefits

At Vedder, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our Associates' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with class year and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Opportunity to make traditional pre‑tax and/or post‑tax Roth 401(k) contributions through payroll deductions; plans are administered by Vanguard.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm‑paid life and disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well‑being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm‑provided training & professional development programs.
• Work‑Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family‑friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount programs, pre‑tax commuter benefits, backup child & elder care, milk stork, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts, and more.

Compensation

• $240,000 - $320,000 annual base salary

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where the applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E‑verify.

Applicants who require special assistance or an accommodation during the application and/or recruitment process due to a disability should contact the Vedder HR Department at [e-mail]. All other attorney and summer associate recruitment inquiries should be directed to the Vedder Legal Recruiting Team at [e-mail].