Real Estate Finance Counsel

Job Description
Job Description
Real Estate Finance Counsel
Direct Counsel is seeking a
Real Estate Finance Counsel with 8+ years of experience to join a leading national law firm and its sophisticated Real Estate Finance practice in
New York
. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial real estate finance attorney to work on complex transactions for sophisticated institutional lenders while taking on a significant client-facing role.

Position Overview
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience representing secured lenders in sophisticated commercial real estate finance transactions, including balance sheet, bridge, and CMBS/conduit lending. Experience with multifamily agency lending, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac platforms, is preferred. Additional experience in affordable housing and/or real estate workouts is highly valued. Responsibilities
Represent secured lenders in sophisticated commercial real estate finance transactions. Handle balance sheet, bridge, and CMBS/conduit financing matters.

Advise institutional lenders throughout the lifecycle of complex real estate finance transactions. Draft, review, and negotiate loan agreements, security documents, closing documents, and other financing instruments. Work with business and legal teams to structure transactions and address complex legal and commercial issues. Advise clients on multifamily agency financing, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac platforms. Handle matters involving affordable housing and mixed-income/mixed-use housing as applicable. Assist with real estate workouts and other distressed finance matters.

Develop and maintain strong client relationships while serving as a trusted legal and business adviser. Collaborate effectively with attorneys and professionals across the firm's multidisciplinary real estate platform. Qualifications
8+ years of commercial real estate finance experience in a sophisticated law firm environment. Significant experience representing secured lenders required. Experience with balance sheet, bridge, and CMBS/conduit lending required. Experience with multifamily agency lending, including
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
, preferred.

Experience with affordable housing and/or real estate workouts preferred. Strong academic credentials. Excellent legal writing, oral communication, and analytical skills. Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Proven ability to inspire confidence and effectively communicate with both business and legal teams. Admission to the New York Bar required.

Location
New York, NY
Compensation
The anticipated salary range for this position is
$350,000–$450,000 annually
, with additional compensation opportunities based on performance and other relevant factors. The firm also offers competitive benefits, pro bono billable-hour credit, and a hybrid work arrangement.