Real Estate Associate

The People Of: Professional Services; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1-day-per-week hybrid model

Fully remote option for standout candidates

Strong mentorship and partner exposure

Recognition in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA

Job summary

A leading legal services firm in Chicago seeks a Real Estate Finance Associate with 1-4 years of experience. This role involves representing major clients in real estate finance transactions and offers hybrid or remote flexibility for exceptional candidates. Join a low-leverage team that emphasizes mentorship and hands-on deal execution, while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years’ experience as an Associate at a reputable law firm.
• Background in real estate finance, commercial real estate transactions, or secured lending.
• Licensed to practice in Illinois (or eligible to waive in).
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Represent banks, private equity funds, and developers in real estate finance transactions.
• Draft and negotiate loan documents and agreements.
• Support clients on acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings nationwide.
• Support clients on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and restructurings nationwide.

Skills

Excellent drafting

Analytical abilities

Communication abilities

Proactive approach

Detail-oriented

Education

JD from a Top 25 U.S. law school

Job description

Overview

Real Estate Finance Associate – Market Pay | Hybrid or Remote Flexibility

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid or Fully Remote for exceptional candidates)

Experience Level: Class Years 2021–2024 (1–4 years)

Compensation: Market Rate (Am Law 100 scale)

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a highly regarded, full-service law firm headquartered in Chicago that is seeking a junior Real Estate Finance Associate to join its nationally recognized Real Estate group.

This role offers the chance to work on sophisticated, finance-focused real estate transactions for a mix of lenders, funds, and developers — in a collaborative environment where associates receive hands-on experience and direct partner access from day one.

You’ll gain exposure to complex commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions, financings, syndicated and CMBS loans, joint ventures, workouts, and sale-leasebacks across a wide range of property types.

What You’ll Do

• Represent banks, private equity funds, and developers in real estate finance and investment transactions.
• Draft and negotiate loan documents, purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, and intercreditor agreements.
• Work across teams on cross-disciplinary deals involving real estate, corporate, and finance elements.
• Support clients on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and restructurings nationwide.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: JD from a Top 25 U.S. law school
• Experience: 1–4 years’ experience as an Associate at a reputable law firm
• Practice Focus: Background in real estate finance, commercial real estate transactions, or secured lending
• Skills: Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication abilities
• Approach: Proactive, detail-oriented, and eager to work on hands-on deal execution
• Admission: Licensed to practice in Illinois (or eligible to waive in)

Why This Firm

• 1-day-per-week hybrid model — flexible for your lifestyle
• Fully remote option available for standout candidates
• Low-leverage team with strong mentorship and partner exposure
• Recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA

Apply Now

If you’re a Real Estate, Finance, or Corporate Associate from a top law school and respected firm looking to join a high-performing, people-focused team, we’d love to hear from you.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal
• Industries: Law Practice

Note: This description reflects the Real Estate Associate role originally posted by The People Of: Professional Services. Other job cards and promotional content have been omitted to maintain a focused posting.