Real Estate Attorney (Chicago)

About the Company

Our client is a well-established real estate investment firm with a strong national presence and a diversified portfolio across multiple asset classes that includes retail, industrial, office, mixed-use, multifamily, and land assets. The organization is recognized for its disciplined investment approach and commitment to delivering exceptional risk-adjusted returns. With a proven track record and ambitious growth plans, this is an exciting time to join their team.

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic, business-minded Transaction Attorney to lead all legal aspects of commercial real estate transactions across our expanding national portfolio. This role covers acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and capital markets work from LOI through closing , partnering closely with acquisitions, asset management, and finance teams to advance deals and mitigate risk.

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & SVP of Operations , you will also build and manage a legal support teamincluding a junior attorney or senior paralegal and leasing / transaction coordination resourcesensuring effective delegation, operational leverage, and consistent deal execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of commercial real estate transactions nationwide, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and leasing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate LOIs, purchase and sale agreements, joint venture documents, loan agreements, leases, and closing documents.
• Oversee title and survey review, due diligence, and closing coordination , ensuring timely resolution of contingencies and deliverables.
• Support capital markets initiatives by reviewing and negotiating financing structures, debt documents, and related agreements.
• Provide leasing expertise across retail, industrial, office, and ground leases; advise on tenant issues, REAs, use restrictions, and renewals.
• Develop and maintain templates, playbooks, and policies to streamline and standardize transactional processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with acquisitions, asset management, property management, and accounting to identify risk, ensure compliance, and optimize outcomes .
• Stay current on industry trends, case law, and regulatory changes impacting commercial real estate transactions.

Qualifications

Compensation

$170,000 $215,000 annually (commensurate with experience) + bonus + comprehensive benefits.