Real Estate Attorney (Income Principal / Partner)
Firm Description:
Our client is a full-service business law firm with a strong reputation for guiding international and domestic companies through the complexities of operating in the U.S. market. With offices in Chicago and Schaumburg, they offer strategic counsel across corporate, immigration, employment, real estate, and dispute resolution matters, with particular strength in supporting Japanese and other foreign-owned businesses. Known for their collaborative approach and deep understanding of cross-border operations, the firm provides attorneys with a dynamic platform to engage in sophisticated legal work that blends business insight with global perspective.
Position Description:
Our client is seeking an accomplished Real Estate Attorney to step into an Income Principal role and serve as a key leader within the firm's real estate group.
This opportunity offers a unique succession-planning component: the successful candidate will have the opportunity to assume and expand an established client portfolio as a senior partner transitions toward retirement. The role is ideal for a seasoned attorney who enjoys leading complex transactions, cultivating client relationships, mentoring legal talent, and contributing to the strategic growth of a practice.
The attorney will represent domestic and international clients across a broad spectrum of commercial real estate, development, and finance matters throughout the United States. This is a highly visible position with significant client contact, leadership responsibilities, and a clear path to long-term influence within the firm.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead sophisticated commercial real estate transactions from origination through closing.
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Negotiate and draft complex lease agreements, including office, industrial, retail, mixed-use, healthcare, and research and development facilities.
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Advise clients on acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, development projects, and real estate financing transactions.
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Structure, negotiate, and document secured lending and other complex financing arrangements.
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Conduct and oversee due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, and related real estate reviews.
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Counsel clients regarding site selection strategies, economic development incentives, and related business expansion initiatives.
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Support major real estate development and construction projects.
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Lead deal teams and mentor junior attorneys and paralegals.
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Drive business development efforts, deepen existing client relationships, and collaborate across practice groups to identify cross-selling opportunities.
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Contribute to the continued growth and strategic direction of the firm's real estate practice.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:
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Active Illinois bar admission.
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Approximately 8-10+ years of substantial commercial real estate experience gained at a respected law firm.
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Demonstrated experience managing sophisticated real estate transactions and serving as a trusted advisor to clients.
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Strong business development acumen with a proven ability to cultivate and expand client relationships.
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Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and project management skills.
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Sound judgment, entrepreneurial drive, and a collaborative approach to practice building.
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A genuine interest in long-term partnership opportunities and practice succession.
Travel
Periodic travel may be required for client meetings, firm events, business development activities, and collaboration across office locations. Limited domestic and occasional international travel may be involved.
Meet Your Recruiter
Jillian Dent
VP, Attorney Recruitment
