Commercial Real Estate Attorney

position

Staff or Senior Attorney

(specializing in complex multifamily/commercial closings)

division/department                                                                                  

Legal and Risk Management Division

classification

Exempt

nature of position

The Legal Operations team is seeking an experienced real estate attorney (Staff or Senior level, depending on qualifications) to conduct commercial and multi‑family loan closings and support CHFA in the design and implementation of affordable housing and economic development loan, grant, and sub‑grant programs.  This position will focus substantial time on closing commercial and multifamily loans; drafting and negotiating commercial loan documents, loan commitments, contracts, and forms; conducting real estate due diligence reviews; and providing legal advice on compliance with applicable state and federal laws.  The level of independence, complexity of transactions, and leadership responsibilities will vary based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

essential functions

• Negotiate and close commercial and multi-family real estate transactions. 
• Draft, review and negotiate loan documents, program documents, contracts and other legal documents relating to new and existing services
• Supervise real estate due diligence reviews
• Advise various business units and negotiate matters related to commercial, business, and state and federal lending and grant programs primarily related to business and economic development, commercial and multi-family lending
• Interpret laws, regulations, and procedures related to CHFA’s programs and CHFA-administered programs
• Review legislation and its impact on CHFA operations
• Function as a leader and seasoned advisor to the business; senior-level attorney will also serve as a strategic advisor on complex or high-risk matters.
• Actively assist with training, coaching, and helping others including the legal support team improve their skills
• Participate and contribute in all activities and/or projects that directly support CHFA in fulfilling its mission and achieving its vision through dedication to the community in which CHFA serves operational excellence, and fiscal responsibility
• Solid understanding of laws and regulations to ensure proper compliance and oversight of business processes
• Other duties as assigned

knowledge, skills, and ability

Must possess:

• Knowledge of Colorado real estate law, commercial lending, business entities, real estate loans, real estate transactions, and familiarity with related documents
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, productively and accurately in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and important deadlines
• Strong and effective customer service, interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills
• Strong and ethical decision-making skills
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in an effective and diplomatic manner
• Ability to establish rapport with persons of diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to effectively work closely with and collaborate on closing teams and various working groups, both within the legal operations department and other business units
• Proficient in MS Word and Outlook
• Senior level candidates are also expected to demonstrate
  • Advanced issue‑spotting and problem‑solving skills on complex transactions.
  • Greater independence in managing sophisticated or high‑profile matters.
  • Leadership through mentoring, coaching, and legal guidance to less‑experienced team members.

Abilities that reflect CHFA’s values:

• • Ability to continuously improve and develop knowledge and skills, while adapting quickly to changing circumstances and processes
  • Ability to work towards inclusion in all activities, and decisions through the solicitation and appreciation of diverse perspectives
  • Ability to exercise personal accountability in all activities and decisions
  • Ability to embrace a culture of operational excellence to ensure processes are continually evaluated and improved as necessary
  • Ability to operate with a sense of integrity
  • Ability to have fun
  • Ability to establish rapport with people of diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds

experience/education

We are seeking an attorney with demonstrated experience in real estate and financial transactions to serve either as a Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney, depending on qualifications and depth of experience.

Required Experience (Staff Attorney Level)

• • A minimum of four (4) years of experience in a medium-to-large law firm or corporate legal department working on real estate transactions.
  • Candidates must have significant direct commercial loan closing experience, including:
    • Leading and managing loan closings
    • Coordinating with internal stakeholders and external counsel
    • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating loan documents
  • Experience representing or working with financial institutions related to lending transactions.
  • Experience with complex financial transactions, which may include construction lending and/or affordable housing projects.

Preferred / Advanced Experience (Senior Attorney Level)

• • A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a law firm or corporate legal department with a sustained focus on real estate and financial transactions.
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • Representing lenders in leading and managing commercial loan closings
    • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating loan documents
    • Structuring and managing complex real estate financing transactions,
  • Experience in construction lending
  • Experience supporting or advising on affordable housing projects is highly valued.
  • Senior‑level candidates may have developed targeted depth of expertise in specific areas over longer periods of practice, as well as broader legal experience across related transactional or regulatory areas.

Licensure

• • Admission to the Colorado Bar, or
  • Clear eligibility upon hire for admission by:
    • Colorado Bar Exam, Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) score transfer, On‑Motion admission or,
    • Single Client Admission

Education

• • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Additional Considerations

• • Candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • The final level (Staff vs. Senior Attorney) will be determined based on experience depth, demonstrated transactional leadership, and sustained responsibility for complex transactions.

equipment used

Laptop computer; photocopier, and Smartphone.

working environment 

The incumbent in this position will perform the essential functions primarily in a hybrid environment, requiring sitting or, if preferred, standing at a desk for most of the day, with or without assistive devices. This position requires moderate to high levels of interaction and collaboration with others.

validation statement

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform.

benefit information

• Hybrid work - CHFA understands the value of human relationships and operates as a face-to-face culture while also offering the benefit of remote work.
• Flexible Schedule
• Culture of Wellness
• We value diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with very low rates
• Generous Paid Time Off, including paid volunteer time, holidays, and other leave programs
• Educational assistance, and professional development opportunities
• Up to a 5% match on 401(k) contributions – vested immediately
• Up to 12 weeks of Paid Family and Medical Leave at 90% pay
• An extensive Employee Assistance Program that provides personalized care options for your whole household
• Ample opportunity to learn, develop, and grow with opportunity for career and leadership development programs, job shadowing, a mentor program, and tuition reimbursement
• Please visit our benefits page for additional info

salary range

Staff Attorney - $98,000 - $125,000

Senior Attorney - $115,000 - $151,000

Plus, annual bonus

how to apply

External candidates: Please apply online at www.chfainfo.com - Careers Tab 

Internal candidates: Please apply internally via the job and career development page

All applications are strongly encouraged before Friday, June ^19th.  This posting is expected to remain open until the position is filled.

With respect to its programs, services, activities, and employment practices, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 years and over, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Requests for reasonable accommodation, the provision of auxiliary aids, or any complaints alleging violation of this nondiscrimination policy should be directed to the nondiscrimination coordinator, 1.800.877.2432, TDD/TTY  303.297.7305, CHFA 1981 Blake Street, Denver CO 80202-1272, available weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

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