Real Estate Funds/Asset Management Associate (5+ yrs.) – Chicago
Firm Description:
Our client is a globally recognized Am Law 20 firm with over 1,500 attorneys across 15 offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Founded in Boston in 1865, the firm is known for its elite practices in private equity, asset management, healthcare, life sciences, litigation, and cybersecurity. Ropes & Gray consistently ranks among the top firms for innovation, diversity, and pro bono service, and was named “Law Firm of the Year” by The American Lawyer in 2022. The firm serves leading corporations, financial institutions, universities, and government entities, offering strategic counsel on complex, high-stakes matters. Attorneys here thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment that values excellence, integrity, and global impact.
Position Description:
Our client, a premier global law firm, is seeking a Senior Real Estate Funds Associate to join its Asset Management practice. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with partners and lead teams on sophisticated fundraising and fund formation matters involving a wide range of real estate investment vehicles.
The ideal candidate will have at least five years of substantial experience advising on the structuring, formation, and operation of open-end and closed-end real estate funds, co-investment vehicles, and other real estate investment products. Experience representing both fund sponsors and institutional investors is highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise clients on the formation, structuring, management, and operation of real estate investment funds.
- Represent real estate fund sponsors and investors in a variety of transactional, regulatory, and strategic matters.
- Lead legal teams through fundraising processes for real estate funds and related investment vehicles.
- Draft, review, and negotiate:
- Fund offering documents
- Partnership and operating agreements
- Investor side letters
- Co-investment vehicle documentation
- Related fund governance documents
- Coordinate fund closings with clients, investors, and third-party service providers.
- Conduct legal research and analyze regulatory developments affecting real estate funds and alternative investment vehicles.
- Prepare and review investor communications and disclosure materials.
- Support due diligence efforts related to real estate acquisitions, investments, and fund transactions.
- Identify and resolve legal and operational issues arising throughout the fund lifecycle.
- Monitor developments in securities laws, fund regulations, and market practices affecting real estate investment products.
- Collaborate with attorneys across tax, real estate, finance, and regulatory practice groups to provide comprehensive client service.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop junior attorneys.
- Assist with maintaining and strengthening client relationships through exceptional client service and strategic counsel.
- Utilize emerging technologies, including AI tools, responsibly and ethically to enhance legal research, document review, and workflow efficiency.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction, or ability to obtain admission promptly.
- Minimum of five years of experience at a nationally recognized or international law firm with a focus on:
- Real estate funds
- Co-investment vehicles
- Real estate investment products
- Significant experience advising on open-end and closed-end fund structures.
- Experience representing real estate fund sponsors and institutional investors.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Real estate investment fund structures
- Securities laws and regulations
- Alternative investment vehicle governance and compliance
- Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Strong organizational skills with careful attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters simultaneously and meet demanding deadlines.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to mentoring junior attorneys.
- Strong interpersonal and client relationship management skills.
- Experience using AI and legal technology tools responsibly and effectively in legal practice.
Meet Your Recruiter
Joseph P. Mayer III
Founder & CEO
