Job DescriptionJOB SCOPE:The Associate General Counsel - Real Estate provides strategic legal counsel and transactional support to the organization s real estate operations, including acquisitions, leasing, dispositions, and real estate-related litigation.
JOB SUMMARY:This role manages the legal aspects of complex property transactions, oversees outside counsel, and serves as the primary legal advisor to the Real Estate team. The Associate General Counsel will also provide leadership to junior legal staff and paralegals and serve as a key liaison between internal business units and external stakeholders.
SUPERVISION:Direct : Counsel
REPORTS TO:Deputy General Counsel
Responsibilities/Skills/Experience RequirementsJOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:- Drafts, reviews, and negotiates real estate contracts, including purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, license agreements, and related instruments
- Supports and advises business partners on due diligence, title, zoning, and environmental matters related to real estate assets
- Oversees closing processes for acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing transactions
- Manages real estate-related litigation and pre-litigation matters, including landlord/tenant disputes, title claims, and property damage claims
- Directs strategy and supervises outside counsel on litigation matters to ensure alignment with company goals, timelines, and budget
- Provides legal guidance on compliance with real estate laws and regulations, including land use, permitting, and local ordinances
- Advises on risk mitigation strategies in commercial real estate operations
- Supervises and mentors junior attorneys and paralegals supporting real estate legal matters
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams including Finance, Property Management, Development, and Risk
- Develops and maintains templates, contract management processes, and training for real estate legal support
- Supports corporate initiatives related to real estate portfolio optimization and strategy
- Performs supervisory functions, including but not limited to, making employment decisions regarding hiring, promoting, demoting and terminating, conducting performance appraisals and coaching and developing associates
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Professional Doctorate Degree
- 5-10 years of related experience
- License/certification in relevant field
- 18 years of age or older
REQUIRED SKILLS:- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the state bar
- Minimum of 5 10 years of legal experience with a concentration in commercial real estate transactions and/or litigation
- Strong expertise in areas such as commercial contracts, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and litigation
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex legal issues and provide practical solutions
- Effective communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to convey legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders
- Proven track record of providing strategic legal counsel and collaborating with senior leadership
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and high ethical standards
- Proficiency in legal research, legal databases, and technology tools for legal practice
PREFERRED SKILLS:- Prior in-house counsel experience in a corporate real estate or retail environment
- Working knowledge of title insurance, surveys, zoning, and environmental due diligence
- Experience managing outside counsel and cross-functional legal projects
