Real Estate Finance Associate

Job Overview

A leading national law firm is seeking a Real Estate Finance Associate with 4–8 years of experience to join its Commercial Real Estate Finance practice. The role, offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated lender and borrower-side transactions across a wide range of financing structures. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated attorney with a strong foundation in real estate finance, excellent drafting and communication skills, and a desire to lead transactions while collaborating with a highly experienced team.

Location

• New York, NY

Duties

• Represent institutional and private clients in commercial real estate finance transactions

• Draft and negotiate documentation for:

  • Senior mortgage loans

  • Construction loans

  • Leveraged loans

  • Mezzanine financing

  • Preferred equity investments

  • A-Note and co-lender structures

• Handle lender-side and borrower-side deals for clients including commercial banks, debt funds, private equity firms, REITs, and developers

• Manage transactions with the ability to first-chair deals, supported by a collaborative legal team

• Communicate directly with clients to develop legal strategies and execute financing transactions efficiently

Requirements

• 4 to 8 years of experience in commercial real estate finance

• Substantive experience managing complex real estate financing transactions

• Ability to run deals independently or with minimal supervision

• Strong client service mindset and proactive communication skills

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

Certifications

• Admission to the New York or Washington, DC Bar (depending on office location)

• In good standing with the applicable bar

Skills

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

• Deep understanding of real estate finance structures and market terms

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities

• Collaborative approach to working with internal teams and external clients

• Ability to manage multiple active matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• Comprehensive bonus structure including:

• • Hours-based productivity bonuses

  • Cash bonuses for business generation and expansion

  • Merit-based bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $200,000+

• Competitive benefits package (typically includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and CLE support)

• Opportunity for advancement within a high-profile, nationally recognized real estate finance team

Although more commonly thought of as a Washington, DC, firm, this New York office has many of the same practice areas. As this firm continues to grow its New York office, this is a tremendous opportunity for associates to get in on the ground floor in terms of shaping the character of the office. We like the litigation work that is being done in this office, as it has a decidedly corporate bent, with an emphasis on securities litigations. A down-to-earth group of attorneys, this office should emerge as a practice unto itself over time.