Affordable Housing Finance Attorney (Mid-Level)
Sheppard, an AmLaw 50 firm, is a global full-service law firm with over 1,200 attorneys across 16 offices worldwide. The firm advises clients on high-stakes litigation, complex transactions, and cutting-edge regulatory matters across key industries—including energy, real estate and development, financial services, healthcare, and technology. Sheppard is known for its collaborative culture.
About the role
The Affordable Housing Finance team represents banks, financial institutions, and other lenders in affordable housing finance transactions nationwide. The team advises clients across the full transaction lifecycle—from origination and closing through servicing, payoff, and, when necessary, workouts and enforcement—with particular depth in tax-exempt and taxable financings, construction-to-permanent loans, and agency program matters, including HUD, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae transactions. This role offers direct client contact, meaningful opportunities to take ownership of deal workstreams, and strong training and mentorship within a collaborative team.
Responsibilities
- Represent lenders in affordable housing and multifamily finance transactions, including tax-exempt and taxable construction, bridge, and permanent financings
- Draft and negotiate mortgage loan documents, including intercreditor and subordinate financing arrangements for affordable housing and multifamily projects
- Conduct real estate and entity due diligence
- Work effectively with team members and clients while taking ownership of projects
- Navigate layered capital structures involving intercreditor arrangements, subordinate financing, and tax credit programs
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- 4+ years of relevant lender-side affordable housing finance experience at a national or regional law firm
- Strong academic credentials and outstanding writing skills
- Admission to the California Bar preferred; admission to Illinois or New York bar may also be considered
Resume, cover letter, and law school transcript are required. For inquiries, contact Katherine Milanes at kmilanes@sheppard.com.