Lending & Finance Partner at Gould & Ratner Llp in Chicago, IL | Kablio

Role

Description

Requirements

secured transactions

venture debt

10+ years

bar license

private lenders

portable book

Extensive experience preparing opinions and advising clients on strategic considerations for secured transactions is essential
The ideal candidate would also have experience with venture debt transactions and convertible debt transactions (both secured and unsecured) for venture-backed companies
10+ years of substantive experience. This includes expertise in asset-based and cash-flow lending transactions, loan participations, multi-lender or multi-tranche lending transactions, permanent and bridge loans, and structuring and negotiating co-lender, subordination, and intercreditor arrangements
Significant experience with financing transactions of all sorts, representing both lenders and borrowers across a broad range of industries in complex financing and commercial finance matters
Although not required, the ideal candidate will also have substantial experience representing private lenders and other non-institutional lenders in complex lending transactions. The attorney must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) and an ability to work collaboratively with internal and external clients at all levels
Candidates must be currently licensed in Illinois or Colorado, or licensed in another state with a UBE score that qualifies in Illinois or Colorado for comity, be eligible to waive in, or be willing to sit for an upcoming IL or CO bar exam (open to relocation candidates that meet these requirements)
Portable book of business required

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package and competitive salary - more info can be found here https://www.gouldratner.com/uploaded_images/GR-salary%20scale-benefits-page-2-01-21-25.pdf
Competitive compensation, benefits package including 401k and profit sharing
Healthcare (medical, vision, dental), life and long-term disability insurance
Hybrid in-office/remote role. Gould & Ratner's current in-office policy requires attorneys to be in the office 10 days a month
Pre-tax commuter benefits and wellness programs (e.g., in-office gym and massages; 24/7 tele-medicine)
Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment
Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
Generous vacation, personal, & sick time allowance

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded in the 1930s

Year Established

The firm was established in the 1930s and has since grown into a multidimensional legal advisor.

Opened in 2024

Denver Expansion

The firm expanded its presence by opening its first office outside Chicago in Denver in 2024.

1961 Landmark Deal

Notable Transaction

The firm's founding partner advised on the 1961 sale of the Empire State Building to the Crown Family.

The firm evolved from a small corporate practice into a multidimensional legal advisor.
Over decades, it grew from three attorneys handling general corporate work into a midsize firm with broad capabilities in corporate, real estate, tax, estate planning, construction, litigation, and environmental law.
Typical engagements include venture-backed startup financings, mergers, major real estate development deals, and complex construction disputes.
Notable projects include Chicago's LaSalle Street corridor revitalization initiative and transactional, litigation, and regulatory matters across industrial, hospitality, and technology sectors.
Lawyers often serve as practical, business-savvy counsel, acting as outsourced general counsel for startups, family offices, and private investment funds.
Despite its scale, the firm maintains a tightly knit structure, enabling attorneys to handle multiple legal disciplines for a single client in a seamless manner.

Culture + Values

We take pride in being an agile, client-focused firm that provides practical, results-oriented advice.
Our people are our most valuable asset, and we invest in their growth and development.
We foster a collaborative environment where teamwork, integrity, and respect are core to everything we do.
We are committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Environment + Sustainability

2050

Net Zero Goal

The firm aims to eliminate its carbon emissions entirely by 2050.

Gould & Ratner LLP has committed to reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient office practices and sustainable sourcing.
The firm has implemented waste reduction initiatives and participates in local environmental programs to minimize its impact.

Inclusion & Diversity

35% workforce

Women representation

Women make up 35% of the total workforce, reflecting significant gender diversity within the organization.

25% leadership roles

Women in leadership

25% of leadership positions are held by women, indicating progress toward gender parity in top roles.

The firm has set specific targets for increasing diversity at all levels, including leadership positions.
The firm conducts regular training and professional development programs aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace.

Articles

Offices (Contact Page)

News: Opening Denver Office

Practice Areas – Corporate

Role

Description

Requirements

secured transactions

venture debt

10+ years

bar license

private lenders

portable book

Extensive experience preparing opinions and advising clients on strategic considerations for secured transactions is essential
The ideal candidate would also have experience with venture debt transactions and convertible debt transactions (both secured and unsecured) for venture-backed companies
10+ years of substantive experience. This includes expertise in asset-based and cash-flow lending transactions, loan participations, multi-lender or multi-tranche lending transactions, permanent and bridge loans, and structuring and negotiating co-lender, subordination, and intercreditor arrangements
Significant experience with financing transactions of all sorts, representing both lenders and borrowers across a broad range of industries in complex financing and commercial finance matters
Although not required, the ideal candidate will also have substantial experience representing private lenders and other non-institutional lenders in complex lending transactions. The attorney must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) and an ability to work collaboratively with internal and external clients at all levels
Candidates must be currently licensed in Illinois or Colorado, or licensed in another state with a UBE score that qualifies in Illinois or Colorado for comity, be eligible to waive in, or be willing to sit for an upcoming IL or CO bar exam (open to relocation candidates that meet these requirements)
Portable book of business required

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package and competitive salary - more info can be found here https://www.gouldratner.com/uploaded_images/GR-salary%20scale-benefits-page-2-01-21-25.pdf
Competitive compensation, benefits package including 401k and profit sharing
Healthcare (medical, vision, dental), life and long-term disability insurance
Hybrid in-office/remote role. Gould & Ratner's current in-office policy requires attorneys to be in the office 10 days a month
Pre-tax commuter benefits and wellness programs (e.g., in-office gym and massages; 24/7 tele-medicine)
Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment
Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
Generous vacation, personal, & sick time allowance

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded in the 1930s

Year Established

The firm was established in the 1930s and has since grown into a multidimensional legal advisor.

Opened in 2024

Denver Expansion

The firm expanded its presence by opening its first office outside Chicago in Denver in 2024.

1961 Landmark Deal

Notable Transaction

The firm's founding partner advised on the 1961 sale of the Empire State Building to the Crown Family.

The firm evolved from a small corporate practice into a multidimensional legal advisor.
Over decades, it grew from three attorneys handling general corporate work into a midsize firm with broad capabilities in corporate, real estate, tax, estate planning, construction, litigation, and environmental law.
Typical engagements include venture-backed startup financings, mergers, major real estate development deals, and complex construction disputes.
Notable projects include Chicago's LaSalle Street corridor revitalization initiative and transactional, litigation, and regulatory matters across industrial, hospitality, and technology sectors.
Lawyers often serve as practical, business-savvy counsel, acting as outsourced general counsel for startups, family offices, and private investment funds.
Despite its scale, the firm maintains a tightly knit structure, enabling attorneys to handle multiple legal disciplines for a single client in a seamless manner.

Culture + Values

We take pride in being an agile, client-focused firm that provides practical, results-oriented advice.
Our people are our most valuable asset, and we invest in their growth and development.
We foster a collaborative environment where teamwork, integrity, and respect are core to everything we do.
We are committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Environment + Sustainability

2050

Net Zero Goal

The firm aims to eliminate its carbon emissions entirely by 2050.

Gould & Ratner LLP has committed to reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient office practices and sustainable sourcing.
The firm has implemented waste reduction initiatives and participates in local environmental programs to minimize its impact.

Inclusion & Diversity

35% workforce

Women representation

Women make up 35% of the total workforce, reflecting significant gender diversity within the organization.

25% leadership roles

Women in leadership

25% of leadership positions are held by women, indicating progress toward gender parity in top roles.

The firm has set specific targets for increasing diversity at all levels, including leadership positions.
The firm conducts regular training and professional development programs aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace.

Articles

Offices (Contact Page)

News: Opening Denver Office

Practice Areas – Corporate