Real Estate (Data Centers) Associate (2021/2021) – Chicago
Firm Description:
Our client is a globally preeminent law firm with more than 2,500 attorneys across 46 offices in 31 countries. Founded in 1901 and headquartered in New York, the firm is known for its elite cross-border transactional and disputes practices, advising multinational corporations, financial institutions, and sovereign entities on complex, high-stakes matters. It consistently ranks among the top firms in areas such as M&A, capital markets, international arbitration, and antitrust. Attorneys thrive in a high-performance, globally integrated environment that values intellectual rigor, strategic thinking, and long-term client impact.
Position Description:
Our client, a leading global law firm, is seeking a mid-level Real Estate Associate to join its Chicago office. This position will focus on data center and digital infrastructure transactions while offering exposure to a broad range of sophisticated domestic and international commercial real estate matters.
The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in commercial real estate leasing, experience with complex real estate transactions, and the ability to effectively manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment. Experience with international transactions and cross-border coordination is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent domestic and international investors, developers, owners, operators, lenders, and institutional clients in data center, digital infrastructure, and other commercial real estate transactions.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of transaction documents, including:
- Purchase and sale agreements
- Joint venture agreements
- Commercial leases
- Development agreements
- Real estate finance documents
- Ancillary closing and organizational documents
- Advise clients on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, development, financing, and operational matters involving data centers and commercial real estate assets.
- Handle all phases of commercial leasing transactions, including structuring, negotiation, diligence, execution, and closing.
- Conduct and coordinate due diligence efforts, including lease review, title and survey review, and due diligence reporting.
- Assist with multi-jurisdictional and international transactions by coordinating local counsel and managing cross-border diligence and execution processes.
- Analyze and communicate jurisdiction-specific issues affecting leasing structures, utilities, permitting, property rights, data center operations, and transaction execution.
- Support related M&A, private equity, fund formation, finance, and investment transactions requiring real estate expertise.
- Conduct legal research and prepare practical analyses regarding real estate, leasing, data center, and regulatory matters.
- Work closely with clients and internal teams to develop practical and commercially focused solutions.
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the Illinois Bar.
- Minimum of four years of substantive real estate experience at a large law firm.
- Strong commercial leasing experience, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating lease documentation.
- Experience representing borrowers and lenders in real estate finance transactions.
- Experience involving data centers, digital infrastructure, or similar asset classes is preferred.
- Exposure to international transactions, cross-border matters, and local counsel coordination is preferred.
- Experience conducting real estate due diligence, including title, survey, and lease review.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong client-service orientation and sound professional judgment.
- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently and proactively.
Compensation
Base salary range: $225,000 – $390,000
Compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, practice expertise, and overall fit for the role.
Benefits
Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off and leave programs
- Parental leave benefits
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Professional development and career advancement resources
Reporting Structure
This position works closely with and reports to firm partners within the Real Estate Practice.
Meet Your Recruiter
Joseph P. Mayer III
Founder & CEO
