Real Estate Associate Attorney

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Title: Associate Attorney - Real Estate

Compensation: Base $170K-$190K (DOE) + Hours Bonuses

Location: Hybrid, 2 days in office - Chicago, IL

Position Overview
Growing boutique transactional law firm seeking an associate to handle commercial real estate and corporate transactional matters across leasing, acquisitions, financing, construction and entitlement work. This role requires strong drafting and negotiation skills, a practical understanding of finance and equity/debt structures, and the ability to manage multiple complex deals from diligence through closing.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial leases, subleases and lease amendments for landlords and tenants.
• Prepare and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, joint venture documents, loan agreements, intercreditor agreements and other transactional contracts.
• Conduct and manage legal due diligence, title review and risk assessments for acquisitions and dispositions.
• Coordinate and manage closings for acquisitions, dispositions and financings, working with title companies, lenders, brokers and other stakeholders.
• Advise clients on construction contracts, contractor disputes, mechanics liens, and entitlement processes for development projects.
• Structure and document equity and debt financing transactions, including coordination with lenders, equity investors and tax advisors.
• Provide litigation support and, where required, manage or coordinate outside litigation counsel on lease disputes, foreclosure, contract claims and other real estate litigation.
• Counsel clients on regulatory, zoning and entitlement matters and collaborate with land use, environmental and permitting teams.
• Build and maintain client relationships, participate in business development and contribute to practice growth.
• Maintain up-to-date legal research and best practice knowledge relevant to real estate, finance and transaction law.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admission to practice in Illinois.
• 3+ years of experience in commercial real estate; experience with leasing, acquisitions, financing and construction preferred.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating leases, purchase agreements, loan documents and transactional contracts.
• Familiarity with entitlement processes, zoning and land use issues, title review and due diligence workflows.
• Understanding of finance concepts including equity structures, debt financing, intercreditor arrangements and underwriting basics.
• Exposure to or experience with real estate litigation, contract disputes or foreclosure matters is a plus.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, problemsolving and oral communication skills; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines, work independently and collaborate with crossfunctional teams.
• Proficiency with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis) and common office and document management software.

Benefits

• $170,000 - 190,000 base salary, commensurate with experience
• Annual discretionary bonus upon exceeding 1,900 billable hours
• Generous 401(k) match
• Comprehensive health and dental plans
• Paid time off and other firm-wide benefits

- For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. This job was first posted by CyberCoders on 09/15/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed.Everforth CyberCoders is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, status as a crime victim, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications, and a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. A human recruiter reviews all results. Click here for details on our virtual recruiter .  Everforth CyberCoders will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local law, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Everforth CyberCoders is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment can contact a member of our Human Resources team at Benefits@CyberCoders.com to make arrangements.

Salary

$170000 - $190000 USD per year