Finance Associate - Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate Finance Associate

Location: Franklin, TN
Schedule
: M-F 8-5pm (Hybrid – WFH Fridays)
Direct Hire Opportunity
Salary
: $180K-190K

A forward-thinking, multi-office law firm redefining legal practice through creativity, technology, and innovation. Our attorneys provide exceptional legal services across a broad range of practice areas including commercial real estate, corporate law, litigation, bankruptcy, employment law, intellectual property, and more.

We are seeking a high-caliber Commercial Real Estate Finance Associate to join a sophisticated transactional practice. This is a direct-support role working closely with a senior transactional attorney on complex, high-stakes financial matters. The ideal candidate will play a key role in representing major financial institutions across a diverse portfolio of commercial lending transactions.

This position is permanent and based in our Franklin, TN office
, with flexibility to work from home on Fridays.

The Associate will gain exposure to a wide range of commercial finance matters, including:

• Bilateral & Syndicated Loans: Supporting transactions from single-lender deals to complex multi-bank syndications
• Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Finance: Assisting with financings across diverse corporate and industrial sectors
• Commercial Real Estate & Construction: Drafting and negotiating loan documents for real estate acquisitions and large-scale construction projects
• Managing transactional closings, drafting complex loan documentation, and advising on creditor rights
• Maintaining and organizing large volumes of electronic files in a paperless environment

• Experience: Minimum 3+ years (5+ years preferred) of dedicated experience in commercial real estate finance or corporate finance
• Credentials: Strong academic background with experience in Big Law or a reputable boutique firm
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Highly tech-savvy and comfortable in a paperless environment
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Sheets
  • Comfortable learning new systems and software
  • Experience working on Mac-based systems preferred (can be taught)
• Mindset:
  • Self-sufficient and able to manage administrative aspects of transactions independently
  • Math-minded with strong attention to detail
  • Comfortable managing complex workflows without heavy support staff involvement

• Entrepreneurial, collegial, and team-oriented legal environment
• Strong emphasis on innovation, technology, and independent workflow
• Creative and intellectually challenging legal work that is rarely routine
• Transparent leadership and a supportive, non-micromanaged culture
• Business casual dress code (jeans allowed)
• Small, close-knit local office (approximately 15 employees)

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer:
Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied.

Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.