Sr Real Estate Counsel - Vertically Integrated Real Estate Company
Our client is a privately-owned, vertically integrated commercial real estate company, is looking for a Senior Real Estate Counsel to join their growing legal team. This position is ideal for an experienced real estate attorney with a focus on transactional matters, including purchase and sale, leasing, and other real estate-related transactions. The Senior Real Estate Counsel will play a key role in the company's legal operations, advising on complex real estate deals and collaborating closely with senior management.
Responsibilities:
- Manage all aspects of commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions related to retail properties, including drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, conducting due diligence, and coordinating closing processes.
- Lead the drafting, negotiation, and review of retail lease agreements, representing both landlords and tenants in the retail sector.
- Provide day-to-day legal counsel on retail real estate transactions and related matters such as zoning, land use, title issues, environmental regulations, and compliance with applicable retail-specific laws.
- Oversee and manage retail real estate due diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, and financing transactions, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., finance, operations) and external parties (e.g., brokers, lenders, title companies) to ensure smooth execution of retail real estate transactions.
- Draft, review, and negotiate various retail real estate-related contracts, including joint venture agreements, property management agreements, and construction agreements.
- Identify and assess legal and business risks in retail real estate transactions and provide proactive solutions to mitigate those risks.
- Mentor and guide junior legal team members and assist in developing and implementing standard operating procedures for retail real estate transactions.
Qualifications:
- At least 4 years of relevant legal experience in a sophisticated in-house environment or at a reputable law firm, with a focus on retail real estate (including purchase and sale, leasing, and financing).
- In-depth knowledge of retail real estate law, including retail leasing, property rights, title issues, environmental law, and due diligence processes.
- Proven ability to manage complex retail real estate transactions from inception to closing, including drafting and negotiating agreements and managing associated legal risks.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Experience with retail development, construction law, or real estate financing, including mortgage loans, joint ventures, and capital raising is preferred.
- Experience with title and survey matters in retail real estate is beneficial.
