Real Estate Attorney

Northwestern Mutual; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Northwestern Mutual Law Department seeks an experienced and agile real estate attorney to join the Real Estate Investment Team in Milwaukee. You will lead sophisticated real estate transactions, structuring and negotiating complex commercial mortgage loans, acquisitions, joint ventures and development deals, with strong mentorship from in-house partners.

This role is well-suited for an early-career attorney ready to take on increasing responsibility and work alongside top real estate talent

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of legal experience in commercial mortgage lending, real estate development, joint ventures or large acquisitions.
• JD required; Wisconsin license or commitment to obtain within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Lead and structure complex commercial mortgage loans, acquisitions, joint ventures, and development transactions.
• Provide in-house legal support for asset management, loan servicing, and related matters.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and comms

Analytical mindset

Creative, detail-oriented

Self-motivated, proactive

Problem-solving skills

Flexibility & adaptability

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Wisconsin bar license or commitment to become licensed within first year

Job description

The Northwestern Mutual Law Department is seeking an experienced and agile real estate attorney to join our Real Estate Investment Team. You'll have the opportunity to lead sophisticated real estate transactions, working alongside top real estate talent. This role is well-suited for an early-career attorney who is ready to take on increasing responsibility with strong mentorship and support from experienced in-house attorneys.

About the Job:

This attorney will support the Company's $60+ billion real estate investment portfolio, including providing legal advice on matters relating to the Company's commercial mortgage loan and real estate equity portfolio; most legal work is handled entirely in-house. Specifically:

• serve as primary legal counsel to the Company's real estate investment professionals in structuring, negotiating and documenting complex, commercial mortgage loans (floating, fixed, permanent and construction), real estate acquisitions and joint venture and development transactions; and

• provide legal support for a wide range of asset management and loan servicing activities for the Company's real estate investment portfolio including development matters, joint venture amendments, consents to loan transfers, leasing and management agreements, and other asset management and loan servicing needs.

What You'll Bring to the Role:

• 3-5 years of legal experience in one or more of the following areas: commercial mortgage lending, commercial real estate development, real estate joint ventures, large, commercial real estate acquisitions.

• A Juris Doctorate degree and exemplary academic record; note that a license to practice law in the State of Wisconsin or a commitment to become licensed within the first year of employment is required.

What Sets You Apart:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Highly analytical and curious mind.

• Creative, detail-oriented, with the judgment to navigate ambiguity and the willingness to ask questions and collaborate.

• High integrity, ethical standards, and a positive, collaborative attitude.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

• Strong problem-solving skills and practical business judgment, with a focus on client service.

• Flexibility and adaptability to meet evolving business needs.

Skills You’ll Have:

• Accountability: Holds self accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results, delivery, and execution. Determines objectives, sets priorities.

• Business Influence: Collaborates, communicates and influences stakeholders, and other business functions based on understanding of the marketplace, organizational needs, and the client.

• Decision Making: Makes timely, decisions by understanding the probability of success, identifying risks, gathering business requirements, and developing value statements.

• Project Management: Delivers projects in alignment to business requirements, specific success criteria, and stakeholder expectations.

• Risk Assessment & Identification: Leverages industry knowledge to determine and seek hazards that could potentially prevent the program, enterprise, or investment from achieving their objectives.

Why Northwestern Mutual?

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and nationally recognized Law Department, with 130+ members from across the country and a culture that values every background and perspective.