Real Estate Associate Attorney (Mid-Level)Direct Counsel is seeking a mid-level Real Estate Associate Attorney to join an Am Law 100 firm in Chicago.This is an excellent opportunity for a 2–5 year associate attorney to join a sophisticated commercial real estate practice handling a broad range and high volume of complex transactions.The group advises institutional equity investors, private equity real estate funds, and sophisticated lenders across all phases of the investment cycle, offering associates exposure to both principal-side and financing-side work.The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience across multiple areas of commercial real estate, with significant experience in acquisitions, dispositions, and borrower-side financings.Key ResponsibilitiesManaging commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositionsRepresenting private equity real estate funds and institutional investorsHandling borrower-side financing transactionsDrafting and negotiating purchase agreements, loan documents, joint venture agreements, and ancillary deal documentsAdvising clients throughout the full investment lifecycle, from acquisition through financing, asset management, and exitCoordinating deal execution with lenders, counterparties, and internal stakeholdersQualifications2–5 years of commercial real estate experienceStrong experience in: AcquisitionsDispositionsBorrower-side financingsExperience representing institutional investors and real estate private equity fundsStrong drafting, negotiation, and transaction management skillsAbility to manage multiple sophisticated deals in a fast-paced BigLaw environmentCompensationThe expected salary range for this role is $235,000 – $365,000, depending on experience, class year, and overall qualifications.The firm offers a highly competitive benefits package, including:Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance401(k) savings planBackup childcare and eldercareProfessional development and mentorship opportunitiesLong-term growth within a nationally recognized real estate platform