Senior Counsel, Finance

Job Location:
Corporate Indianapolis
Job Description
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Senior Finance Counsel reports to the Assistant General Counsel and plays a pivotal role in leading financial transactions for Simon Property Group. This position is lead counsel to the Capital Markets and Senior Executive teams on domestic and international commercial finance structures across various secured debt markets, including commercial mortgage back securities (CMBS), bank balance sheet lenders, life insurance companies, debt funds and others. The Senior Finance Counsel plays a critical role in ensuring the success of financial transactions, safeguarding the interests of the Company, and contributing to its growth and success in competitive finance markets.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Transaction Representation: Serve as the primary legal counsel for commercial property owners and borrowers in mortgage loan financings. Provide expert guidance throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Document Drafting and Negotiation: Draft and negotiate a wide range of loan documents and deal agreements, ensuring that terms and conditions align with the client's objectives while mitigating legal risks.
• Legal Advisory: Collaborate with the capital markets team, offering insights into the legal ramifications of transaction structuring and key deal terms. Provide strategic legal counsel to optimize financial outcomes.
• Property Due Diligence: Review title, survey, and zoning information related to real estate assets to be financed. Work closely with title companies, surveyors, and zoning consultants to resolve any property-related issues impacting financing.
• Lender Due Diligence: Facilitate the lender's due diligence review process, including the provision of necessary legal opinions and coordination of closing logistics.
• Transaction Management: Oversee the entire loan and financial transaction closing process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met efficiently and accurately.
• Loan Workouts and Dispositions: Manage the legal aspects of loan workouts and the disposition of assets as needed, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and agreements.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with lender's counsel, opinion counsel, and other parties involved in the transactions, fostering collaboration and effective communication.
• Corporate Matters: Oversee legal entity formation, governance and maintenance matters related to financial transactions.
• Treasury: Support the treasury department in reviewing account contracts and agreements and handling matters associated with opening, closing and maintaining bank accounts.

QUALIFICATIONS/ABILITIES:

• At least 5+ years of commercial real estate finance experience, representing lenders or borrowers.
• J.D. from an accredited law school and be admitted to practice in one or more states (Indiana not required).
• Strong knowledge of real estate mortgage debt capital markets (balance sheet, life company, CMBS, debt funds, etc.).
• Proven experience with all facets of the process of closing large mortgage transactions.
• Strong knowledge of corporate structures and organizational documents.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders.

Simon is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales.