Real Estate Associate

Real Estate Associate (4 years)

Chicago / Suburban office available

Salary starts at $230,000

Manageable billables, no target c.1800

Overview

We're partnered with a leading middle-market business law firm with a strong reputation in real estate, banking and finance, corporate transactions, and commercial litigation, providing sophisticated legal counsel through an experienced, client-focused approach.

Represented developers, investors, landlords, financial institutions, and commercial clients in a broad range of real estate transactions and asset management matters. Advised clients throughout the full lifecycle of commercial real estate projects, including acquisitions, dispositions, development, financing, leasing, and portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated complex commercial real estate agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, financing documents, easements, and operating agreements.
• Led all aspects of commercial leasing transactions, including the preparation and negotiation of office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use leases on behalf of landlords and property owners.
• Counseled landlord clients on lease administration, amendments, renewals, expansions, assignments, subleases, estoppel certificates, and lease enforcement matters.
• Advised commercial property owners and asset managers on risk mitigation strategies, tenant disputes, defaults, remedies, and occupancy issues.
• Conducted due diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, and financing transactions, including title and survey review, zoning analysis, and environmental assessments.
• Structured and negotiated real estate finance transactions involving construction loans, permanent financing, and secured lending arrangements.
• Coordinated transaction closings and managed multidisciplinary teams consisting of lenders, title companies, surveyors, consultants, and opposing counsel.
• Provided strategic guidance on development, construction, entitlement, and land use matters affecting commercial real estate assets.
• Worked closely with corporate and finance teams to support mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions involving significant real estate components.

Who You Are

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to the Illinois Bar
• 4 years of experience representing developers, investors, landlords, lenders, and corporate clients in sophisticated commercial real estate transactions.
• Strong experience handling acquisitions, dispositions, development projects, commercial leasing, and real estate finance transactions from inception through closing.
• Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex transaction documents, including purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, leases, development agreements, and related real estate contracts.
• Experience advising commercial landlords on leasing matters, including lease negotiations, amendments, renewals, assignments, subleases, and tenant-related issues.
• Strong understanding of title, survey, zoning, due diligence, and closing processes associated with commercial real estate transactions.
• Excellent communication, project management, and client relationship skills, with the ability to serve as a primary day-to-day contact for clients and transaction counterparties.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously, balance competing deadlines, and exercise sound legal and business judgment in a fast-paced environment.

If this role aligns with your experience or if you’re interested in learning about other opportunities, please reach out directly:

📧 lorna.hardcastle@simpsonjudge.com

📞 (331) 215 9850