Real Estate Attorney (Chicago)

About the Job

Airdo Werwas, LLC, is seeking an experienced Real Estate Attorney to join its dynamic, nationally recognized practice. We are seeking an attorney with 3+ years of experienc e handling commercial real estate transactions, land use and zoning matters, and real estate development projects.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience representing developers, businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutional clients, and local governments in all aspects of commercial real estate, from acquisition through development, financing, and disposition. Candidates should be comfortable managing complex transactions independently while collaborating with attorneys across multiple practice areas.

About the Firm

Airdo Werwas, LLC is a nationally recognized law firm representing businesses, local governments, healthcare organizations, nonprofit institutions, and religious organizations throughout Illinois and across the country. Our attorneys provide practical, strategic counsel in litigation, municipal law, employment law, commercial transactions, and real estate matters. We are also privileged to serve as National Coordinating Counsel for nonprofit and religious organizations throughout the United States.

Our real estate practice advises clients through every stage of the development process, including acquisitions, financing, zoning and land use approvals, leasing, and complex commercial transactions.

What We Offer

Competitive Compensation: $110,000.00 to $180,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive Benefits: Includes 401(k) with profit sharing, health, life, and disability insurance, optional HSA, vision, dental, and accident coverage, and commuter benefits.

Professional Development: Experienced support staff, current technology, ongoing training, and the opportunity for direct client contact.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Minimum of 5 years of commercial real estate experience.
• Licensed and in good standing with the Illinois Bar.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys across multiple practice areas.
• Commitment to providing exceptional client service.

Preferred Experience

Candidates should have substantial experience in several of the following areas:

• Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions
• Commercial leasing
• Purchase and sale agreements
• Commercial financing and loan transactions
• Due diligence
• Title review and title insurance
• Property tax matters and tax incentives
• Property liens and encumbrances
• Zoning, land use, planning, and development
• Annexation, planned developments, and municipal approvals
• Easements, covenants, and access agreements
• Environmental compliance and related due diligence
• Construction and development agreements
• Closing commercial real estate transactions
• Representation of developers, municipalities, institutional owners, or nonprofit organizations

Duties & Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all phases of commercial real estate transactions, from contract negotiation through closing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, development agreements, and related transactional documents.
• Conduct and oversee due diligence, including review of title commitments, surveys, environmental reports, zoning compliance, and financing documents.
• Advise clients regarding zoning, land use, planning, annexation, and development approvals.
• Represent clients before municipal boards, zoning commissions, and governmental agencies.
• Coordinate with lenders, title companies, surveyors, engineers, and environmental consultants to facilitate transactions.
• Identify and resolve title defects, lien issues, and other real estate-related matters.
• Counsel clients regarding property tax issues, land use regulations, and real estate risk management.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's municipal, corporate, employment, litigation, and nonprofit practice groups to provide comprehensive legal solutions.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while contributing to the continued growth of the firm's real estate practice.

Job Type: Full-time

Billable Requirement: 1,950 hours annually

Work Location: In office, in person (Chicago, IL)