Real Estate (Hospitality Focus) Associate
Dentons, Chicago, IL, United States
Real Estate (Hospitality Focus) Associate - Chicago
Posted on March 17, 2026
Culture and Engagement at Dentons Fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture is a core priority at Dentons. We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the contributions of all colleagues. By attracting, supporting, promoting and retaining highly qualified individuals of various backgrounds and experiences, we strengthen our ability to provide innovative solutions, deliver exceptional client service, and advance the success of our Firm. Dentons takes an active approach to promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace by investing in professional development and culture initiatives.
Responsibilities and Practice Dentons US LLP invites exceptional real estate transactional lawyers—professionals who instinctively combine technical mastery with commercial intuition—to elevate their careers within our Chambers “Band 1,” nationally top-ranked and globally acclaimed Hospitality & Leisure practice. Be inspired by the opportunity to work on high-profile hospitality projects in some of the world’s most dynamic cities and sought-after destinations and join the firm our clients routinely describe as “the gold standard in the industry” and “better than every other hotel team in the market.”
From day one, you will collaborate with an elite cohort of hospitality lawyers who advise marquee owners, investors, developers, operators, and financial institutions on the industry’s most sophisticated hotel and mixed‑use transactions. Our integrated, cross‑border platform empowers you to handle every facet of a deal—whether it involves an iconic urban redevelopment, a luxury resort portfolio, or a cutting‑edge mixed‑use project—confident that you have at your fingertips the full resources of a global law firm.
Your work will span the entire transactional life cycle. Key responsibilities will include:
Leading the drafting and negotiation of letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, hotel management, license and franchise agreements, joint ventures, and other complex documents
Structuring and closing hospitality financings, including the negotiation of credit facilities and related collateral packages
Orchestrating seamless closings by taking ownership of deals and working cohesively with client and transaction contacts
Directing due diligence reviews that anticipate and neutralize risk before it surfaces
Mentoring and leading junior associate talent
In short, you will be a trusted deal architect and closer, relied upon by sophisticated clients who expect nothing short of best‑in‑class counsel.
Dentons’ Hospitality team has held Chambers USA’s coveted nationwide “Band 1” ranking every year since 2007—a testament to our relentless focus on client service and our unmatched industry insight. This underscores our standing as world‑class counsel for world‑class clients. Here, you will work side by side with partners who are recognized thought leaders, within a culture that prizes teamwork, mentorship, and the free flow of ideas. You will refine your craft on headline‑making matters while enjoying the robust infrastructure, professional development resources, and cutting‑edge technology that only a truly global law firm can deliver.
Qualifications We seek candidates who possess:
Five to seven years of sophisticated real estate and transactional experience, ideally within the hospitality sector
Stellar academic credentials
Prior large firm experience (required)
Outstanding oral and written advocacy skills
Sharp analytical acumen
Meticulous attention to detail
The poise to manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment
Admission to, and good standing with, the State Bar of Illinois
Benefits Dentons offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) participation; short‑ and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; tuition reimbursement; generous paid time off and holidays; and discretionary bonuses that reward both individual performance and team success.
Additional Information If you are ready to practice at the pinnacle of hospitality law, shoulder‑to‑shoulder with renowned practitioners who set the market standard, we welcome your application and the opportunity to explore how your talents will flourish at Dentons.
Pursuant to state laws, the salary range for this position will be $345,000 to $400,000, based on experience. Based on years of experience, Dentons associates may have a title of Associate, Managing Associate, or Senior Managing Associate. Dentons US LLP offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time‑off, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
Position Requirements Personal Skills/Attributes
Excellent academic credentials and proven analytical ability
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
The ability to manage competing demands with efficiency and poise
Meticulous attention to detail
Technical Skills
5–7 years of legal experience in real estate/transactional work (hospitality industry experience is a plus)
Previous large law firm experience (required)
Other Requirements
Must be licensed to practice law and be in good standing with the State Bar of Illinois
Equal Opportunities Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability/Vet. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
How to Apply Search Firms Search firms may click here to submit an application on behalf of a candidate.
Direct Applicants Direct applicants may apply using the button below.
If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at Dentons US LLP, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please call 404‑527‑4061 or email takara.hicks@dentons.com.
Apply Now
How can the world's largest global law firm help you today ? #J-18808-Ljbffr
Culture and Engagement at Dentons Fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture is a core priority at Dentons. We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the contributions of all colleagues. By attracting, supporting, promoting and retaining highly qualified individuals of various backgrounds and experiences, we strengthen our ability to provide innovative solutions, deliver exceptional client service, and advance the success of our Firm. Dentons takes an active approach to promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace by investing in professional development and culture initiatives.
Responsibilities and Practice Dentons US LLP invites exceptional real estate transactional lawyers—professionals who instinctively combine technical mastery with commercial intuition—to elevate their careers within our Chambers “Band 1,” nationally top-ranked and globally acclaimed Hospitality & Leisure practice. Be inspired by the opportunity to work on high-profile hospitality projects in some of the world’s most dynamic cities and sought-after destinations and join the firm our clients routinely describe as “the gold standard in the industry” and “better than every other hotel team in the market.”
From day one, you will collaborate with an elite cohort of hospitality lawyers who advise marquee owners, investors, developers, operators, and financial institutions on the industry’s most sophisticated hotel and mixed‑use transactions. Our integrated, cross‑border platform empowers you to handle every facet of a deal—whether it involves an iconic urban redevelopment, a luxury resort portfolio, or a cutting‑edge mixed‑use project—confident that you have at your fingertips the full resources of a global law firm.
Your work will span the entire transactional life cycle. Key responsibilities will include:
Leading the drafting and negotiation of letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, hotel management, license and franchise agreements, joint ventures, and other complex documents
Structuring and closing hospitality financings, including the negotiation of credit facilities and related collateral packages
Orchestrating seamless closings by taking ownership of deals and working cohesively with client and transaction contacts
Directing due diligence reviews that anticipate and neutralize risk before it surfaces
Mentoring and leading junior associate talent
In short, you will be a trusted deal architect and closer, relied upon by sophisticated clients who expect nothing short of best‑in‑class counsel.
Dentons’ Hospitality team has held Chambers USA’s coveted nationwide “Band 1” ranking every year since 2007—a testament to our relentless focus on client service and our unmatched industry insight. This underscores our standing as world‑class counsel for world‑class clients. Here, you will work side by side with partners who are recognized thought leaders, within a culture that prizes teamwork, mentorship, and the free flow of ideas. You will refine your craft on headline‑making matters while enjoying the robust infrastructure, professional development resources, and cutting‑edge technology that only a truly global law firm can deliver.
Qualifications We seek candidates who possess:
Five to seven years of sophisticated real estate and transactional experience, ideally within the hospitality sector
Stellar academic credentials
Prior large firm experience (required)
Outstanding oral and written advocacy skills
Sharp analytical acumen
Meticulous attention to detail
The poise to manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment
Admission to, and good standing with, the State Bar of Illinois
Benefits Dentons offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) participation; short‑ and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; tuition reimbursement; generous paid time off and holidays; and discretionary bonuses that reward both individual performance and team success.
Additional Information If you are ready to practice at the pinnacle of hospitality law, shoulder‑to‑shoulder with renowned practitioners who set the market standard, we welcome your application and the opportunity to explore how your talents will flourish at Dentons.
Pursuant to state laws, the salary range for this position will be $345,000 to $400,000, based on experience. Based on years of experience, Dentons associates may have a title of Associate, Managing Associate, or Senior Managing Associate. Dentons US LLP offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time‑off, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
Position Requirements Personal Skills/Attributes
Excellent academic credentials and proven analytical ability
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
The ability to manage competing demands with efficiency and poise
Meticulous attention to detail
Technical Skills
5–7 years of legal experience in real estate/transactional work (hospitality industry experience is a plus)
Previous large law firm experience (required)
Other Requirements
Must be licensed to practice law and be in good standing with the State Bar of Illinois
Equal Opportunities Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability/Vet. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
How to Apply Search Firms Search firms may click here to submit an application on behalf of a candidate.
Direct Applicants Direct applicants may apply using the button below.
If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at Dentons US LLP, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please call 404‑527‑4061 or email takara.hicks@dentons.com.
Apply Now
How can the world's largest global law firm help you today ? #J-18808-Ljbffr