Associate Attorney – Mortgage Lending & Foreclosure

Location: Downtown Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 3 Days In Office)
Salary: Up to $140,000 + Generous Performance Bonus
Experience: 2+ Years

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with a growing, Chicago-based private real estate lender and mortgage servicer seeking an Associate Attorney to join its in-house legal team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with experience in mortgage foreclosure, creditors’ rights, or real estate finance litigation to transition into or further develop an in-house legal career.

The ideal candidate will have experience handling foreclosure and default-related matters, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with business leaders and outside counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance on mortgage lending, loan servicing, foreclosure, default resolution, and regulatory compliance matters.

• Oversee contested foreclosure proceedings, borrower bankruptcies, guarantor enforcement, complex title disputes, and loss mitigation matters.

• Manage and coordinate outside counsel handling foreclosure litigation and other default-related proceedings.

• Monitor foreclosure cases across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring matters progress efficiently and within expected timelines.

• Assist in developing strategies for resolving troubled loans, including foreclosure, receivership, bankruptcy, and negotiated resolutions.

• Research and interpret federal and state mortgage lending regulations and advise internal stakeholders on legal risks.

• Develop and maintain jurisdiction-specific procedures and best practices for foreclosure and default resolution.

• Collaborate with internal business teams to improve legal processes, reporting, and risk management.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active attorney license.

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in mortgage foreclosure, creditors’ rights, real estate finance litigation, or mortgage servicing.

• Experience handling residential or commercial mortgage foreclosures and default resolution matters.

• Familiarity with federal and state mortgage lending and servicing regulations.

• Experience with bankruptcy proceedings, title disputes, guarantor enforcement, or commercial loan workouts is a plus.

• Experience working with outside counsel or coordinating litigation matters is preferred.

• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with business professionals and senior leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary: Up to $140,000, commensurate with experience.

• Performance Bonus: Generous performance-based bonus opportunity.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching.

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO.

• Parental Leave: Maternity and paternity leave benefits.

• Hybrid Schedule: Three days per week in the downtown Chicago office.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to move beyond traditional law firm practice and become an integral part of a growing real estate finance organization.

You’ll work directly with business leaders, gain exposure to complex lending and foreclosure matters, and help shape legal strategies and processes while enjoying a collaborative environment, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for confidential consideration.