The Opportunity
MB Attorney Search has been exclusively retained by a nationally respected Midwest law firm to recruit a Real Estate Associate to support rapid growth in commercial development work. You’ll work directly with a partner who recently joined from a top national firm and the broader Business Law team on complex, multi-state transactions—from site control and diligence through closing—while enjoying a sustainable 1,600-hour billable target, hands-on mentorship, and a transparent path to partnership.
What You’ll Do
Drive commercial development transactions for restaurant/retail concepts and multi-unit projects (200–500 units).
Draft and negotiate PSAs, leases, development agreements, easements, and related real estate documents.
Manage deals end-to-end: diligence, title/survey, financing, timelines, checklists, and closings.
Coordinate with municipalities and outside consultants; land use exposure is a plus (not required).
Be client-facing early—join calls, help run timelines, and build trusted relationships.
Collaborate across practice groups (Business, Government, Environmental, etc.) as work ebbs and flows.
Handle transactions in Wisconsin and other states for diverse developer and operating-company clients.
What You’ll Bring
2–4 years of real estate or corporate/transactional experience (law firm preferred; strong in-house backgrounds welcome).
Comfort drafting/marking up commercial real estate agreements and running closing checklists.
A proactive, ask-questions-early mindset; organized, dependable, and team-oriented.
Strong interpersonal skills—you enjoy being in front of clients and networking (e.g., NAIOP or similar).
Wisconsin bar admission (or eligibility to waive in / sit for the exam).
Why This Firm
Lifestyle you can count on: 1,600 billable hours (not 1,900+).
Hands-on mentorship with invested partners; monthly associate development meetings and clear partnership criteria.
Real work, real impact: immediate exposure to sophisticated developers and national concepts.
Flexibility: Hybrid schedule (typical pattern is 3 in / 2 remote), with extra in-office time during ramp-up.
Location: Milwaukee preferred, Madison considered.
Culture: approachable partners, open doors, and a collaborative, “teach and trust” environment.
Pathway: Partnership track with visibility into expectations and performance metrics.
Bonus: Discretionary year-end bonus considers production (hours over 1,600), contributions, and business development.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $95,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience.
Bonus-eligible; competitive benefits package.
How to Apply
This search is being conducted exclusively by MB Attorney Search.
Please apply confidentially with your resume (and transcript if readily available). Qualified candidates will be introduced promptly.
Apply Confidentially
Submit your resume to MB Attorney Search for immediate consideration. All applications are handled with strict confidentiality. Only candidates who have been screened and provided express permission will be presented to our client.
MB Attorney Search is proud to represent law firms that are Equal Opportunity Employers and committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
About MB Attorney Search
MB Attorney Search is a boutique legal recruiting firm focused on helping attorneys make career moves that elevate their practice and long-term success. Founded by Michelle Bigler, a recruiter with more than 25 years of experience, we specialize in placing partners and associates with top national and regional law firms across the Midwest and beyond.