Development attorney (Chicago)

Title:

Real Estate Development Attorney Location:

Chicago Salary:

$180,000 - $240,000

The firm and practice: The firm has experienced steady, organic growth since its founding in 1990 and has been headquartered in the heart of downtown Chicago throughout that time. Its Real Estate group manages commercial real estate transactions across the country. The team is seeking a mid-level commercial real estate attorney to join a driven, high-performing group that values true collaboration while maintaining a genuine commitment to work-life balance.

About the Role: The practice spans the full lifecycle of commercial real estate development and investment, including:

Ground-up development, representing developers, lenders, and general contractors Acquisitions and dispositions Leasing for newly constructed and long-standing properties Drafting declarations, easements, and negotiating joint venture and loan agreement

Your work will include: Structuring, drafting, and negotiating commercial real estate loan documents Leading lender-side representation on acquisition, refinancing, and construction loans Coordinating due diligence, including review of title, survey, zoning, and property-level documentation Managing deal timelines and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders Advising clients on risk, strategy, and market trends Supporting junior team members and contributing to practice development as the group continues to expand

What They're Looking For: 5 or more years of experience in commercial real estate Experience in ground-up development, acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing Strong experience representing lenders, developers, and/or general contractors Commercial real estate experience across multiple jurisdictions, with some exposure to cross border deals is a plus Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously A proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative approach

Why This Opportunity Stands Out Exposure to all aspects of commercial real estate from acquisitions and financing to development and leasing, with low-red tape and true autonomy. Hands-on, nationwide experience, including large-scale ground-up developments and international projects

If this role aligns with your experience or if you’re interested in learning about other opportunities, please reach out directly:

Lorna Hardcastle - Lorna.hardcastle@simpsonjudge.com 331-215-9850