Real Estate Construction Associate (Mid-Level)

Dentons; New York, St. Louis, Chicago (NY, MO, IL); On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Short-term/Long-term disability

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Dentons US LLP invites applications for a Real Estate Construction Associate (Mid-Level) to join our national Construction team with opportunities in Chicago, New York, or St. Louis.

We seek candidates with 3 to 5 years of real estate and/or construction transactional or litigation experience who are eager to practice in a fast-paced environment. You will work with seasoned partners on high-impact projects across the United States and internationally, handling drafting, negotiations, due

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of sophisticated real estate practice experience.
• Construction law experience is valued, but not mandatory.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the applicable state.

Responsibilities

• Engage with clients and advise on practical, business-minded solutions.
• Draft and negotiate construction agreements and related documents.
• Support transactional structuring, due diligence, and dispute resolution.
• Collaborate across the firm on multi-faceted construction matters with a team.
• Assist in day-to-day project counseling and management.

Skills

Client engagement

Team collaboration

Drafting contracts

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Real Estate Construction Associate (Mid-Level) - Chicago, New York or St. Louis

Fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture is a core priority at Dentons. We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the contributions of all colleagues. By attracting, supporting, promoting and retaining highly qualified individuals of various backgrounds and experiences, we strengthen our ability to provide innovative solutions, deliver exceptional client service, and advance the success of our Firm. Dentons takes an active approach to promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace by investing in professional development and culture initiatives.

Responsibilities and practice

Dentons US LLP is seeking a driven mid-level associate to join our dynamic and expanding Construction team. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience with real estate and/or construction transactional or litigation experience who are eager to focus on the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of construction law.

The associate hired for this position will work shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned partners, collaborative associates, and industry-leading clients on high-impact projects across the United States and internationally, gaining hands-on experience in transactional work, dispute resolution, and day-to-day project counseling. If you are passionate about shaping skylines and solving complex problems with practical, business-minded lawyering, we want to meet you.

As a Construction Associate, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our clients through every phase of the construction process. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Client engagement: You will join a team of attorneys who serve as trusted advisors, learn how to deliver practical, business-oriented solutions from project inception through completion and operation, with regular direct client interaction.
• Team collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across the firm in a collaborative environment to deliver seamless, integrated service on multi-faceted construction matters, supported by a team invested in your training and development.
• Drafting and negotiating construction agreements: Draft manuscript design, development, and construction agreements, and work with AIA and other industry-standard forms to prepare, review, and negotiate construction contracts, design-build agreements, EPC contracts, development agreements, design agreements, and all transactional documents necessary for a construction project.
• Transactional support: Collaborate with internal and client teams on the structuring, coordination, and execution of complex transactions with multiple stakeholders related to real estate development and construction projects.
• Due diligence and research: Conduct thorough due diligence and legal research to support project development and risk management.
• Managing construction disputes: Assist in resolving construction-related disputes, including defect and delay claims, through arbitration and litigation.

At Dentons, you’ll be part of a cooperative, forward-thinking team that values innovation, continuous training, and practical problem-solving. Our Construction team is fully integrated with our global Real Estate group, giving you access to a wealth of resources and expertise while maintaining strong local connections. We empower associates to take ownership early, develop market‑leading skills, and make a tangible impact on the built environment. Join us at Dentons and help build the future—one project at a time.

Pursuant to state laws, the salary range for this position in Chicago and New York will be $260,000 to $365,000 based on experience and location. Based on years of experience, Dentons associates may have a title of Associate, Managing Associate, or Senior Managing Associate.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• 401(k)
• short-term/long-term disability
• life insurance
• tuition reimbursement
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• discretionary bonuses

Position requirements

Personal skills/attributes

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a client‑focused approach
• Collaborative spirit, enthusiasm for working as part of a high‑performing team, and openness to learn and improve your skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and persuasive work product
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a keen understanding of construction and real estate concepts
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment

Technical skills

• 3 to 5 years of sophisticated real estate practice experience
• Construction law experience is highly valued, but not mandatory
• Previous law firm experience is required

Other requirements

• Must be licensed to practice law and be in good standing in the state where the candidate will practice
• Submission of a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript with application materials

Equal opportunities

Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability/Vet. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.