Associate Counsel - Established Real Estate Investment Firm

Associate Counsel - Established Real Estate Investment FirmFort Lauderdale / Miami, Florida (Fully On-Site)An established and growing real estate investment firm is seeking an Associate Counsel to join its legal team in South Florida. This position will serve as a key legal advisor to the company's investment, acquisitions, asset management, and finance teams, providing counsel on a broad range of commercial real estate transactions and financing matters. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in real estate finance, debt transactions, and lender-side or loan origination matters. Relevant experience with commercial real estate lending, mortgage finance, structured finance, or debt fund transactions is highly preferred.ResponsibilitiesProvide legal support for the origination, structuring, negotiation, and closing of commercial real estate debt transactions.Draft, review, and negotiate loan documents, term sheets, guarantees, intercreditor agreements, and related financing documentation.Advise investment and asset management teams on debt financing strategies and portfolio matters.Support acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and other real estate investment transactions.Coordinate with outside counsel, lenders, borrowers, and other transaction stakeholders to facilitate deal execution.Identify and mitigate legal and business risks associated with financing and investment activities.Assist with corporate governance, compliance, and general commercial contracting matters as needed.Partner directly with senior leadership on strategic initiatives and business objectives.QualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership.3-5+ years of experience with commercial real estate finance, debt financing, lending transactions, or loan origination matters.Background representing lenders, debt funds, commercial banks, private credit platforms, mortgage lenders, or real estate finance groups strongly preferred.Experience drafting and negotiating loan agreements, security documents, and related financing instruments.Familiarity with commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and investment structures.Strong negotiation, communication, and project management skills.Ability to operate in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment with regular interaction with business stakeholders.Preferred BackgroundsReal Estate Finance Associate from an AM Law 100 or 200 Firm.In-house counsel with a commercial real estate lender, debt fund, mortgage platform, REIT, or investment manager.Attorneys with experience supporting bridge loans, construction loans, mezzanine financing, CMBS transactions, warehouse facilities, or other commercial real estate lending products. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-capitalized real estate investment platform and work closely with senior leadership on complex and high-value financing and investment transactions.