Commercial Real Estate Finance Junior Associate

KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP; Madison (NJ); On-site; USD 215,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health coverage

Life insurance

Disability protection

Retirement savings programs

Paid parental leave

Child and elder care support

Structured mentorship and training

Job summary

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP’s Real Estate Practice Group in Madison, New Jersey is seeking a first or second-year associate to gain hands-on experience in commercial real estate finance, working with partners and mentors across the firm’s nationwide offices.

The role focuses on due diligence, drafting and reviewing loan documents, and coordinating closing logistics while developing client communication skills in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in New Jersey or eligible.
• 1–2 years in commercial real estate finance or related transactional practice.
• Strong writing, research, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Join a busy real estate finance practice and gain direct exposure to commercial lending transactions from day one.
• Work closely with partners and senior attorneys who are committed to mentoring junior associates and providing meaningful, real-time feedback.
• Support due diligence reviews and help coordinate the preparation of closing checklists and logistics.
• Review third-party documents under the guidance of senior team members.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing loan documents and related instruments.
• Gain early client interaction experience by participating in communications with clients, opposing counsel, and other transaction parties.
• Collaborate across office lines, working with colleagues throughout the firm’s national office network.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Client communications

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Admitted to practice or eligible in New Jersey

Job description

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP’s Real Estate Practice Group is seeking a first or second-year associate to join our Madison, New Jersey office. This is a unique opportunity for an early-career attorney to build a strong foundation in commercial real estate finance while working alongside experienced attorneys across multiple offices nationwide. We are looking for motivated, detail-oriented candidates who are eager to learn, take on increasing responsibility, and grow within a collaborative, team-oriented platform.

Role

• Join a busy real estate finance practice and gain direct exposure to commercial lending transactions from day one
• Work closely with partners and senior attorneys who are committed to mentoring junior associates and providing meaningful, real-time feedback
• Support due diligence reviews and help coordinate the preparation of closing checklists and logistics
• Review third-party documents under the guidance of senior team members
• Assist in drafting and reviewing loan documents and related instruments
• Gain early client interaction experience by participating in communications with clients, opposing counsel, and other transaction parties
• Collaborate across office lines, working with colleagues throughout the firm’s national office network

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice (or eligible for admission) in New Jersey
• Approximately one to two years of experience in commercial real estate finance, or a related transactional practice area; recent law school graduates with a dedicated interest in real estate finance and a commitment to establishing a practice in New Jersey will also be considered
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills with careful attention to detail
• Ability to manage assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; a team-first attitude and eagerness to learn are essential
• Prior exposure to lender-side representation is a plus but not required

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage, life insurance, disability protection, and retirement savings programs
• Paid parental leave, child and elder care support, and college coaching resources
• Structured mentorship and hands-on training designed to accelerate your development as a real estate finance attorney
• The platform and resources of a nationally recognized firm — with the accessibility and close-knit feel of a regional office
• A clear path for growth: take on increasing responsibility as your skills and experience develop

The salary range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work in New Jersey if selected for the role. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data/ranges, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees, and certifications (e.g., JD/technology) for example. New Jersey Salary Range: Low: $215,000 - High: $225,000.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).