Description:

We are Walker & Dunlop. We are one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, enabling real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities — where people live, work, shop, and play — to life. We are committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in our communities.

Department Overview:
The Legal department provides support for issues relating to all corporate policies, compliance, risk, contracts, litigation, and more.

The Impact You Will Have
Walker & Dunlop is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Counsel to serve as a key legal advisor on complex real estate transactions, with a primary focus on affordable housing investments. In this role, you will represent the company in its capacity as a joint venture partner, advising on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of partnerships with affordable housing developers. You will support transactions across the full investment lifecycle—from acquisition and development through stabilization and disposition—while proactively identifying and mitigating legal and business risks. You will work closely with the Affordable Equity and Affordable Development teams, providing strategic, solutions-oriented legal advice that drives successful outcomes and supports the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead the legal structuring, negotiation, and execution of joint venture agreements with affordable housing developers, including operating agreements and related governance documents
Advise internal stakeholders on partnership economics, control rights, capital structures, and exit strategies
Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, property management agreements, and other real estate transaction documents
Provide legal support across the full lifecycle of investments, including acquisition, financing, development, leasing, stabilization, and disposition
Collaborate with business teams to structure and negotiate equity and debt financing arrangements, including LIHTC equity, tax-exempt bonds, and conventional financing
Oversee and conduct real estate due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, regulatory compliance, and development risk analysis
Collaborate with external counsel, developers, lenders, and investors to negotiate terms and resolve complex legal issues
Advise on asset management and operational matters, including partnership amendments, restructurings, and investor or partner exits
Serve as a primary legal point of contact for assigned transactions and business teams
Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing legal function
Support the Divisional General Counsel on broader legal initiatives and priorities
Other duties as assigned
Attendance is generally required from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm local time, Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution
Active bar admission in good standing to at least one U.S. state bar
10+ years of experience in real estate law, with significant transactional experience at a law firm and/or in-house
Demonstrated experience leading and negotiating joint venture agreements and complex real estate transactions
Experience in affordable housing, LIHTC transactions, and real estate finance strongly preferred
Experience advising developers, sponsors, or equity partners is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Deep understanding of joint venture structures, partnership economics, and real estate transaction frameworks
Working knowledge of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (Section 42), tax-exempt bonds, and affordable housing regulations
Strong ability to identify legal risks and develop practical, business-oriented solutions
Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
Proven ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for business stakeholders
Collaborative mindset with a commitment to mentorship and team development
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders
Embodiment of the Walker Way in approach to work: caring, collaborative, tenacious, driven, and insightful

This position has an estimated base salary of $200,000 - $220,000 plus a discretionary bonus. An employment offer is based on the applicant's relevant work experience, applicable knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

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