Real Estate Senior Attorney
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP’s growing Real Estate Practice is seeking a Senior Real Estate Attorney to join any of our Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; Raleigh, North Carolina; or Salt Lake City, Utah offices. The attorney will serve as a business advisor to clients, guiding them through a full range of legal matters across their lifecycle.
About the Role
The partner will handle all aspects of complex real estate transactions for clients of all sizes and across industries. The role offers direct client interaction, business development experience, and significant responsibility for sophisticated legal matters. Key areas of experience for the ideal candidate include:
- Complex real estate developments
- Real estate financing transactions
- Real estate acquisitions and dispositions
- Commercial lease transactions
- Zoning, land use, and condominiums
A minimal portable book of business is preferred but not required.
About the Firm
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is a full-service law firm with over 350 lawyers and technical professionals serving clients globally. We work with companies across industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Founded in 1848, we evolve continuously to meet clients’ changing needs while maintaining a tradition of exceptional legal service and business acumen.
Responsibilities
- Advise clients on a full range of real estate legal matters throughout their lifecycle
- Handle complex real estate transactions, including developments, financing, acquisitions, dispositions, and commercial leases
- Navigate zoning, land use, and condominium-related issues
- Develop client relationships and engage in business development
- Work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams to deliver solutions
Requirements
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
- Excellent academic credentials
- Minimum of seven years of real estate or related transactional law experience
- Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
Skills
- Adaptability: Ability to learn new skills, work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and balance independent and team-based work
- Collaboration: Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the firm
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with discretion
- Problem Solving: Confidence in identifying and analyzing issues, making decisions, and developing innovative solutions to complex problems
- Professionalism: Ability to maintain composure, demonstrate good judgment, and uphold professional demeanor
Benefits
- Learning and Growth:
- Challenging and dynamic role
- Career development planning and professional growth opportunities
- Performance management and coaching
- Specialized training programs and mentorship
- Bar exam/bar review course reimbursement
- Health & Wellness:
- Medical, dental, and vision care
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Wellness program and Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Total Compensation:
- Competitive base pay
- Outstanding benefits
- Unlimited PTO plus 10 paid holidays
- Performance recognition and bonuses
- ABA, state, and local bar membership fee reimbursement
- Planning for the Future:
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Short-term and long-term disability plans
- Life insurance and critical illness insurance
- Parental/family leave
- Culture and Workplace:
- Collaborative and respected organization
- Flexible remote work policy (up to 2.5 days per week)
- Contemporary work environment
- Positive and respectful work climate
Pay
For Colorado and Illinois applicants, the annual compensation range for this role is $240,000 to $300,000. The salary range reflects the firm’s good-faith expectation at the time of posting. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. Eligible employees may participate in the firm’s bonus program, subject to its conditions and restrictions.
Schedule
This is a full-time position. Full-time employees are eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.