Description:
About Us:Surlamer Investments is a private investment firm based in Newport Beach with a growing portfolio across real estate, private equity, and affiliated operating businesses. We operate with an institutional structure while maintaining agility and a hands-on approach across our ventures. We are seeking a full-time, in-house Corporate Counsel to support legal and strategic matters across our business holdings and affiliated entities.
Position Overview:
The Corporate Counsel will play a key role in managing legal risk and ensuring compliance across the firm's business activities. This position covers a wide range of responsibilities, including litigation oversight, employment law matters, commercial transactions, corporate governance, and legal strategy related to real estate and private equity investments. The ideal candidate will bring sound legal judgment, a proactive mindset, and strong business acumen.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide legal support on real estate transactions, investment activities, and business operations
- Draft and review corporate governance documents, partnership agreements, purchase and sale agreements, NDAs, and lease-related documents
- Manage or coordinate outside counsel on litigation, employment, or regulatory matters
- Support HR compliance and employment-related legal questions across operating companies
- Advise on tenant matters, including drafting notices and handling lease enforcement procedures
- Participate in legal due diligence for acquisitions, joint ventures, and new business initiatives
- Maintain compliance documentation and safeguard intellectual property and trade secrets
- Ensure proper management of entity formation and corporate records
- Assist in special projects and strategic initiatives as needed by executive leadership
Qualifications:
- J.D. from a top-tier law school; active member of the California Bar
- Minimum 3 years of sophisticated legal experience; exposure to corporate, litigation, real estate, or employment law preferred
- Strong legal research, drafting, and negotiation skills
- Ability to balance legal risk with practical business judgment
- High level of discretion, integrity, and attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interface with leadership across departments
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal research tools
Benefits:
- Salary: Starting at $165,000
- Discretionary performance-based bonus
- Health and dental insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
