Real Estate Attorney

Distinct | North America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Distinct | North America in Chicago is seeking a Commercial Real Estate Transactions Associate to join a sophisticated group expanding its deals team. The successful candidate will have 4–6 years of CRE transactional experience, Illinois Bar admission or ability to obtain, and a proven ability to manage substantial elements of transactions independently.

You will lead key stages, draft and negotiate purchase documents, oversee due diligence, and coordinate with clients, lenders, investors,

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of commercial real estate transactional experience.
• Illinois Bar admission or ability to obtain admission.
• Experience managing substantial elements of transactions independently.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation ability.
• Confident communication with clients and commercial counterparties.
• Sound judgment balancing legal protection with commercial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead key stages of commercial property acquisitions and sales.
• Prepare and negotiate purchase agreements and closing documents.
• Oversee due diligence and keep transactions progressing to timetable.
• Support debt and equity financing arrangements.
• Advise on development projects and related commercial issues.
• Work directly with clients, lenders, investors, brokers, and opposing counsel.
• Coordinate the different parties required to complete complex transactions.

Skills

CRE deal execution

Contract drafting

Client communication

Due diligence oversight

Negotiation

Project management

Education

Illinois Bar admission or eligibility

Job description

Commercial Real Estate Transactions Associate

4 to 6 Years of Experience

A sophisticated Chicago real estate group is expanding and looking to add an associate who is ready to take a more central role in transactions.

The position will suit an attorney who can do more than complete individual assignments. The team needs someone who can manage important parts of a deal, communicate confidently with clients, and help move transactions from initial negotiations through closing.

The Practice

The group advises institutional investors, private equity sponsors, developers, and other real estate businesses on transactions involving office, retail, healthcare, mixed use, and wider commercial assets.

Associates work directly with experienced partners while taking meaningful responsibility for transaction execution and client service.

The Work

• Lead key stages of commercial property acquisitions and sales
• Prepare and negotiate purchase agreements and closing documents
• Oversee due diligence and keep transactions progressing to timetable
• Support debt and equity financing arrangements
• Advise on development projects and related commercial issues
• Work directly with clients, lenders, investors, brokers, and opposing counsel
• Coordinate the different parties required to complete complex transactions

The Ideal Background

• 4 to 6 years of commercial real estate transactional experience
• Illinois Bar admission or the ability to obtain admission
• Experience managing substantial elements of transactions independently
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation ability
• Confident communication with clients and commercial counterparties
• Sound judgment when balancing legal protection with the commercial objective

The Career Opportunity

This is not a narrow drafting position. The successful attorney will gain visibility across entire transactions, build direct client relationships, and develop the judgment required to become a lead deal lawyer.

The practice offers sophisticated work, varied transaction structures, strong partner access, and a credible path toward greater responsibility and advancement.