Description:
Description:The REC will provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal guidance while proactively identifying, quantifying, and mitigating risk. The role requires technical mastery of sophisticated commercial real estate documentation, strong executive communication skills, and the judgment to balance legal protection with strategic growth objectives.
The REC will represent the Company externally with landowners, developers, landlords, lenders, joint venture partners, brokers, and opposing counsel in a manner consistent with the Company's culture, professionalism, and long-term relationship focus.
This position combines strategic leadership with transactional execution and requires the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
Core Responsibilities:
Real Estate Transactions & Development
- Lead negotiation, drafting, and execution of complex commercial real estate documents, including:
- Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSAs) and related diligence instruments for new construction Ground leases, amendments, renewals, assignments, and terminations
- Easements, reciprocal easement agreements (REAs), CC&Rs, access agreements, and development agreements
- Letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, and exclusivity agreements
- SNDAs, estoppels, landlord consents, and tenant documentation
- Joint venture and development structures (as applicable)
- Title commitments, policies, endorsements, and survey review
- Zoning and land use compliance in coordination with outside land use counsel
- Environmental, soils, geotechnical, and property condition reports
- Utility, access, and entitlement risk analysis
- Structure transactions to align with the Company's risk tolerance, capital strategy, and operational objectives.
Construction & Project Execution
- Draft and review construction contracts, GMP agreements, design and consultant agreements, and change orders
- Advise on risk allocation, indemnities, insurance requirements, bonding, and performance protections
- Counsel internal teams on contractor disputes, claims avoidance, and resolution strategies
- Support financing-related construction documentation as needed
- Provide day-to-day legal counsel on property management, leasing operations, and vendor contracts
- Advise leadership on evolving federal, state, and local legislation impacting the portfolio
- Assess and clearly communicate legal risk exposure and recommended mitigation strategies
- Support dispositions and refinancing transactions
- Lead and manage paralegals, due diligence specialists, and transactional workflow
- Establish scalable legal processes, documentation standards, and internal controls
- Oversee outside real estate counsel, including strategy, budgeting, and invoice review
- Develop playbooks, templates, and negotiation frameworks to drive efficiency and consistency
- Improve transaction cycle times while maintaining appropriate risk management
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior leadership on strategic growth initiatives
- Participate in executive discussions regarding site selection and portfolio strategy
- Represent the Company in negotiations with land developers, landlords, lenders, and opposing counsel with professionalism, credibility, and cultural alignment
- Contribute to a culture of integrity, accountability, disciplined risk management, and long-term partnership orientation
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. State Bar
- 7–10+ years of sophisticated commercial real estate experience in a reputable law firm or in-house legal department
- Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial real estate documents, including ground leases, PSAs, REAs, CC&Rs, construction agreements, and title matters
- Strong working knowledge of real estate finance structures and loan documentation
- Proven ability to independently manage multiple high-value transactions simultaneously
- Executive presence and demonstrated ability to interact effectively with senior leadership and external stakeholders
- Experience building or scaling legal processes within a growth environment preferred
- Superior analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills
- Ability to translate complex legal issues into concise, actionable business advice
- Ability to travel periodically to project sites, meetings, or negotiations
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record if driving is required for the role
- Prolonged periods of desk and computer work
- EEO-1 Category: Professionals
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