Real Estate Finance Associate

A prominent law firm seeks a mid-level real estate finance attorney for its Charlotte office. The role involves representing institutional lenders, investment banks, and CMBS platforms in the origination of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and collateralized loan obligation (CLO) loans across various asset classes, including office, retail, multifamily, hospitality, and industrial.

Responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating loan documents, including loan agreements, promissory notes, mortgages/deeds of trust, guarantees, and ancillary documents.
• Conducting and overseeing due diligence, including reviewing zoning reports, leases, organizational documents, and third-party reports.
• Structuring transactions to comply with CMBS securitization requirements and coordinating with originators, underwriters, and securitization counsel.
• Advising clients on structural and legal issues affecting securitization eligibility and marketability.
• Coordinating closings and managing transaction timelines, including interaction with clients, borrower's counsel, and third-party service providers.
• Supporting post-closing matters and preparing loan reviews in anticipation of securitization.

Candidates should possess a strong academic background, excellent writing skills, and attention to detail. The firm's Chambers-ranked real estate practice group fosters a collegial atmosphere and provides tangible opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

The salary is $310,000+ commensurate with class year and experience, and the Charlotte office follows the New York salary and bonus scale.

North Carolina Bar License required (or ability to waive into North Carolina).

• At least 4 years of experience in real estate finance, including significant experience with CMBS and/or CLO loan originations.
• Familiarity with rating agency criteria and securitization requirements, including treatment of ground leases, cash management, and structural features.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and due diligence skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• North Carolina Bar License required (or ability to waive into North Carolina).