Real Estate Attorney (Income Principal / Partner)

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sophisticated commercial real estate transactions from origination through closing.
• Negotiate and draft complex lease agreements, including office, industrial, retail, mixed-use, healthcare, and research and development facilities.
• Advises clients on acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, development projects, and real estate financing transactions.
• Structure, negotiate, and document secured lending and other complex financing arrangements.
• Conduct and oversee due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, and related real estate reviews.
• Counsel clients regarding site selection strategies, economic development incentives, and related business expansion initiatives.
• Support major real estate development and construction projects.
• Lead deal teams and mentor junior attorneys and paralegals.
• Drive business development efforts, deepen existing client relationships, and collaborate across practice groups to identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Contribute to the continued growth and strategic direction of the firm's real estate practice.

Qualifications

• Active Illinois bar admission.
• Approximately 8-10+ years of substantial commercial real estate experience gained at a respected law firm.
• Demonstrated experience managing sophisticated real estate transactions and serving as a trusted advisor to clients.
• Strong business development acumen with a proven ability to cultivate and expand client relationships.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Sound judgment, entrepreneurial drive, and a collaborative approach to practice building.
• A genuine interest in long-term partnership opportunities and practice succession.