Senior Counsel - Rapidly Growing REIT
Or client is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on acquiring, managing, and developing retail properties across the country. They are a dynamic and forward-thinking organization with a strong portfolio of high-quality assets and a commitment to creating innovative retail experiences. The legal team plays a vital role in supporting the company's growth and success, and is seeking a highly skilled Senior Leasing & Transactional Attorney to join their in-house legal team.
Position Summary:
As a Senior Leasing & Transactional Attorney, you will provide strategic legal counsel across a broad range of commercial real estate matters, with a primary focus on retail leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including the acquisitions, leasing, and development teams, as well as external advisors, to ensure the successful execution of the company's real estate transactions and leasing activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide legal counsel on retail leasing matters, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing leases, amendments, and related documents for properties in the company's portfolio.
- Lead the legal efforts related to the acquisition and disposition of retail real estate assets, including due diligence, contract negotiation, and closing procedures.
- Support joint venture (JV) transactions, including structuring, negotiation, and documentation of JV agreements, development agreements, and related arrangements.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., leasing, development, acquisitions, finance) to identify and address legal risks and issues in real estate transactions and leasing activities.
- Advise senior management on complex legal issues related to retail real estate investments, including market trends, regulatory matters, and strategic initiatives.
- Manage relationships with outside counsel, including overseeing the work of junior attorneys and legal assistants.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing real estate transactions and leasing in multiple jurisdictions.
- Draft and review a wide range of real estate-related agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, lease amendments, development agreements, and property management agreements.
- Stay current on legal developments and industry trends that may affect the company's real estate portfolio and business strategy.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior legal staff and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the state bar.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in real estate law, with a focus on leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures. This experience can be from a law firm or a sophisticated in-house legal department.
- Strong understanding of retail real estate and commercial lease structures, including the ability to negotiate complex lease terms.
- Proven experience in handling acquisitions, dispositions, and joint venture transactions, including due diligence, drafting agreements, and managing the transaction process.
- Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to provide practical legal advice in the context of business objectives.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to build relationships across various internal departments and external partners.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to providing high-quality legal services.
- Experience in the retail real estate sector is highly preferred.
