Mid-Level Real Estate Associate (Chicago)

Commercial Real Estate Associate | Chicago

We are working with several law firms in Chicago that are looking to add Commercial Real Estate Associates to their growing practices.

These opportunities range across large national firms, Am Law firms, and established Chicago practices and would be a strong fit for an associate looking to continue handling sophisticated transactional real estate work while gaining greater responsibility and client exposure.

Experience

Ideally 3 to 6 years of commercial real estate experience, although there may be flexibility depending on the candidate's background.

Candidates should have experience in some combination of:

• Acquisitions and dispositions
• Commercial real estate financing
• Leasing
• Development
• Joint ventures and equity investments
• Title and survey review
• Due diligence
• Purchase and sale agreements
• Loan and financing documents
• Development and property management agreements
• Commercial leases and related documents
• Transaction and closing management

Experience representing developers, investors, lenders, borrowers, private equity sponsors, institutional investors, owners, landlords, or tenants would be particularly relevant.

Responsibilities

Depending on the firm and seniority level, associates may:

• Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, leases, loan documents, and other transaction documents
• Manage acquisitions and dispositions from initial due diligence through closing
• Review and resolve title, survey, zoning, and other property-related issues
• Represent borrowers and lenders in real estate financing transactions
• Assist with development projects and joint venture transactions
• Coordinate transaction closings and work directly with clients, opposing counsel, lenders, title companies, and other parties
• Manage significant portions of transactions with increasing independence
• Work directly with partners and clients on complex commercial real estate matters

Qualifications

• Approximately 3 to 6 years of commercial real estate transactional experience
• Law firm experience preferred
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and take ownership of assignments
• Strong communication and client-service skills
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Illinois Bar admission or eligibility for admission

The Opportunities

The firms we are working with offer different combinations of:

• Sophisticated commercial real estate transactions
• Direct partner and client exposure
• Greater transaction ownership
• National and institutional client bases
• Partnership-track opportunities
• Competitive compensation
• Hybrid flexibility
• Different billable-hour expectations and firm cultures

Because we are working across several Real Estate practices in Chicago, we can discuss which opportunities best align with your experience, compensation expectations, billable-hour preferences, and long-term career goals.