Commercial Real Estate Attorney

COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY•Denver, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

Hybrid work
Flexible Schedule
Culture of Wellness
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