Real Estate Finance Associate (Affordable Housing) (Attorney)

We are working with a nationally recognized Am Law 200 law firm seeking an experienced Real Estate Finance Associate to join its growing Affordable Housing and Finance team in their Washington, DC; Boston; Hartford; Providence; Stamford; or New York City office.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with at least four years of commercial real estate finance experience representing lenders who is interested in joining a dynamic national practice with a strong institutional client base, significant transactional activity, and opportunities for meaningful professional growth.

The firm's Real Estate practice represents national banks, mortgage lenders, developers, investors, and owners in complex commercial real estate transactions throughout the country. Its Affordable Housing and Finance team works on sophisticated financing transactions, offering attorneys exposure to a broad range of matters and the opportunity to collaborate with experienced practitioners in a collegial, team-oriented environment.

The position may be based in the firm's Washington, DC; Boston; Hartford; Providence; Stamford; or New York City office, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

The Real Estate Finance Associate will work closely with attorneys across the firm's national practice, primarily representing lenders in commercial real estate financing transactions.

Responsibilities will include:

• Representing institutional and commercial lenders in real estate financing transactions, including acquisition, construction, and refinancing matters.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating loan documents and related financing agreements.
• Conducting real estate due diligence, including title and survey review and analysis of zoning, condominium, and ground lease matters.
• Identifying and addressing legal and transactional issues affecting collateral, financing structures, and loan closings.
• Coordinating with clients, opposing counsel, title companies, and other transaction participants to facilitate successful closings.
• Assisting with affordable housing finance transactions, including agency financing involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as applicable.
• Supporting secondary market transactions and related financing matters, as applicable.
• Managing multiple transactions and deadlines while maintaining strong client communication and attention to detail.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• At least four years of substantive commercial real estate finance experience, including experience representing lenders in commercial real estate financing transactions. Private practice experience strongly preferred.
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating loan documents and handling transactional due diligence.
• Experience with title and survey review, ground leases, condominium matters, and zoning issues.
• Experience with affordable housing finance transactions, particularly Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac affordable housing financing, is highly desirable but not required.
• Experience with secondary market transactions is a plus.
• Excellent academic credentials, legal research, writing, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across offices and practice groups.
• Law degree and admission to practice in the jurisdiction of the attorney's primary office location.

Why Attorneys Are Drawn to This Opportunity

The firm offers an attractive combination of sophisticated national transactional work, a supportive professional environment, and long-term career development.

Highlights include:

• Sophisticated National Practice: Join an established and growing real estate finance practice representing prominent institutional lenders and other major participants in commercial real estate transactions.
• Meaningful Transactional Experience: Work on complex financing matters with substantial responsibility, direct client interaction, and exposure to sophisticated transactions.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside accomplished attorneys in an environment that values collegiality, accessibility, and teamwork.
• Mentorship and Professional Development: Benefit from a structured integration process, including assigned mentors, ongoing training, and opportunities for continued professional growth.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a hybrid work arrangement and a firm culture that emphasizes attorney well-being and sustainable career development.
• Long-Term Career Opportunities: Build a practice within a nationally respected firm committed to supporting the professional development and advancement of its attorneys.

The firm has received significant national recognition for its workplace culture and commitment to attorney satisfaction, including rankings among the:

• Top 50 Best Firms to Work For
• Top 25 Firms for Culture
• Top 10 Firms for Diversity, Technology & Innovation, Wellness, and Integration of Laterals and Clerks

The firm has also been repeatedly recognized as one of Connecticut's Best Places to Work.

Compensation & Benefits

The firm offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, class year, and office location.

Anticipated Base Salary Ranges:

• Washington, DC; Boston; and New York City: $202,500–$217,500
• Hartford and Stamford, CT: $182,500–$207,500

The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous parental leave benefits
• Generous PTO program
• Pet insurance
• Hybrid work flexibility, generally requiring 2–3 days per week in the office
• Billable hour credit for qualifying pro bono and other approved activities

For consideration, please provide a resume and law school transcript. A deal sheet and cover letter are appreciated but not required. All applications are confidential and NOT shared with employers without the candidate's permission.

Oak Ridge Legal Search and the clients we work with are equal opportunity employers and provide equal opportunity to qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class in accordance with all applicable laws. If a level of experience is indicated, this is a guideline only and does not preclude applications from candidates with more or less experience.