Senior Real Estate Associate

Verital Advisory Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 375,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Verital Advisory Search in Chicago seeks a Senior Real Estate Associate (6–8 years) to join its premier real estate practice. The role emphasizes sophisticated commercial leasing and high‑level real estate transactions for landlords and tenants.

You will lead deals, draft and negotiate complex leases, advise institutional owners and developers, and mentor junior attorneys while collaborating with partners to deliver outstanding results.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of commercial real estate experience at a law firm.
• Extensive experience handling sophisticated commercial leasing transactions from start to finish.
• Significant office leasing experience preferred.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, client management, and communication skills.
• Ability to independently lead transactions and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead sophisticated commercial leasing transactions representing landlords and tenants.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex lease agreements and related real estate documents.
• Advise institutional owners, REITs, developers, property managers, and corporate users across the office, retail, and industrial sectors.
• Manage transactions independently while mentoring junior attorneys and collaborating with partners on complex matters.
• Handle a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, development, financing, and joint ventures as needed.

Skills

Commercial real estate experience

Drafting

Negotiation

Client management

Communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Overview

Chicago, IL | Hybrid — A leading boutique law firm in Chicago is seeking a Senior Real Estate Associate (6–8 years of experience) to join its nationally recognized Real Estate practice. This is an outstanding opportunity to work on sophisticated commercial real estate transactions with a strong emphasis on high-level commercial leasing.

Responsibilities

• Lead sophisticated commercial leasing transactions representing both landlords and tenants.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex lease agreements and related real estate documents.
• Advise institutional owners, REITs, developers, property managers, and corporate users across the office, retail, and industrial sectors.
• Manage transactions independently while mentoring junior attorneys and collaborating with partners on complex matters.
• Handle a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, development, financing, and joint ventures as needed.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active Illinois Bar admission (or ability to obtain admission promptly).
• 6–8 years of commercial real estate experience at a law firm.
• Extensive experience handling sophisticated commercial leasing transactions from start to finish.
• Significant office leasing experience preferred.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, client management, and communication skills.
• Ability to independently lead transactions and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Base Salary: $375,000–$400,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Performance-Based Bonus: Eligible for discretionary annual bonus.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO package, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with firm-sponsored benefits (where applicable).
• Additional Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees\' professional and personal well-being.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a nationally recognized commercial real estate practice with a sophisticated national client base.
• Lead complex, high-value leasing transactions while working alongside highly respected real estate attorneys.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with strong mentorship and long-term partnership potential.
• Opportunity to take ownership of sophisticated matters while continuing to grow your practice within a leading boutique firm.

For more information, please contact Brianna Trocki who manages the search at [e-mail]