Real Estate Finance Associate (5-8 years) - Seattle

Seyfarth; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 340,000 - 370,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Seattle seeks a Real Estate Associate with 5–8 years of experience to support its growing Real Estate practice. The role focuses on real estate finance transactions and capital stack/joint venture structuring, offering significant responsibility and career development.

The hire will contribute to a busy team, coordinating with partners across offices and practice groups, with opportunities to mentor junior staff and participate in business development.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in real estate finance at a sophisticated practice.
• Experience drafting and negotiating loan documents and structuring complex financing.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support real estate finance transactions for lender- and borrower-sides.
• Assist with structuring and documenting complex financing, including multi-layered structures.
• Mentor junior associates and coordinate with partners across offices.
• Support practice growth through client service and business development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Drafting skills

Project management

Education

Washington State Bar admission or waiver

Job description

Why Seyfarth

At Seyfarth, we understand that great people are the key to our success, and we provide the opportunities to match. If you join us, you’ll work with state-of-the-art technology in a friendly and professional environment, and we will continue to invest in your professional development. If you want the freedom to grow at a firm that is invested in your future, keep reading.

The Opportunity

The Seattle office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP seeks a Real Estate Associate with 5–8 years of experience to support its rapidly growing Real Estate practice. The role will primarily focus on real estate finance transactions, and capital stack & joint venture structuring.

This position is being added in response to sustained demand and the need for dedicated support for Seattle‑led transactions. The new hire will be a key contributor to a busy, expanding group with significant opportunities for responsibility and career development.

The Day‑To‑Day

Real Estate Finance Transactions

• Lead and support lender- and borrower-side real estate finance transactions, including construction, bridge, and permanent loan facilities.
• Draft and negotiate loan documents, including credit agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, mezzanine loan documents, intercreditor agreements, and related financing instruments.
• Advise on both mortgage and mezzanine financing arrangements across a range of capital structures.
• Assist with structuring and documenting complex, multi‑layered financing transactions, including syndicated and balance sheet lending.

Capital Stack & Joint Venture Structuring

• Support the structuring and formation of real estate joint ventures, including preparation and negotiation of joint venture agreements and related governance documents.
• Advise on the full capital stack for real estate projects, including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and sponsor equity.
• Assist with preparation and review of private placement memoranda and related materials in connection with capital raising efforts.

Client Management & Collaboration

• Work directly with partners and clients to deliver high-quality legal services across a variety of real estate finance matters.
• Coordinate with attorneys across offices and practice groups, including real estate, corporate, and tax teams, on integrated transactions.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates, paralegals, and other team members as appropriate.

Practice Growth

• Contribute to the continued growth of the real estate finance practice through client service excellence and business development support.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsiveness, efficiency, and thoughtful legal advice.

You Have

Required Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in real estate finance at an AmLaw firm or similarly sophisticated practice.
• Demonstrated experience handling lender- and/or borrower‑side financing transactions, including construction and term loans.
• Experience drafting and negotiating loan documents and supporting complex financing structures.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work directly with clients and internal teams.
• Washington State Bar admission (or the ability to waive in).

What We Provide

We provide competitive salary and benefits at all levels. We provide comprehensive training through our mentoring programs, CLE initiatives, Seyfarth University, industry credentialing, and hands‑on learning by working side‑by‑side with our partners.

The salary range for this role is $340,000 to $370,000. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographical location and business or organizational needs. This job is also eligible for an annual merit increase and bonus pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

More About Seyfarth

With approximately 1000 lawyers across 17 offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP provides advisory, litigation, and transactional legal services to clients worldwide. Learn more about The Seyfarth Experience at www.seyfarth.com/careers

This position is based in Seattle, WA 98104