Opportunity OverviewThe Branch Real Estate Legal Advisory Lead serves as a strategic advisor at the intersection of business and legal strategy, helping shape the future of one of the nation's largest branch real estate portfolios. This highly visible role partners with business leaders, legal teams, landlords, brokers, and external counsel to navigate complex leasing transactions, high-profile real estate initiatives, and critical portfolio challenges. Acting as both a trusted consultant and problem solver, the Legal Advisory Lead translates complex legal concepts into practical business solutions, balances risk with business objectives, and influences decisions that impact more than 16,000 branch locations across the firm. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful outcomes, support enterprise growth, and provide thought leadership on some of the firm's most complex and strategically important real estate matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted advisor on complex real estate, leasing, and portfolio matters.
- Lead high-profile lease negotiations and strategic real estate initiatives.
- Partner across legal, business, compliance, and external stakeholders to drive effective solutions.
- Translate complex legal issues into practical business recommendations.
- Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring compliance with legal and corporate requirements.
- Advise on real estate transactions, agreements, disputes, and escalated branch issues.
- Influence key decisions through clear communication and strategic thought leadership.
- Provide expertise that supports the successful management of the firm's nationwide branch portfolio.
Position RequirementsRequired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
- 6+ years of experience in financial services, corporate real estate, commercial leasing, legal advisory, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of commercial real estate principles, including office and retail leasing, lease structures, and landlord-tenant relationships.
- Experience supporting or leading lease negotiations, with an understanding of key business, legal, and risk considerations.
- Ability to balance legal, operational, and business objectives when evaluating real estate transactions and resolving complex issues.
- Demonstrated experience partnering with cross-functional teams, including legal, compliance, operations, finance, and business stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, communication, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence decisions and provide practical business guidance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) or other advanced degree.
- Experience supporting large-scale corporate real estate portfolios.
- Background advising on complex real estate transactions, negotiations, or dispute resolution.
Candidates that live within a commutable distance from our Tempe, AZ and St. Louis, MO home office locations are expected to work in the office four days per week.Salary InformationEdward Jones' compensation and benefits package includes medical and prescription drug, dental, vision, voluntary benefits (such as accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness), short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage. Short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage are provided at no cost to associates. Edward Jones offers a 401k retirement plan, and tax-advantaged accounts: health savings account, and flexible spending account. Edward Jones observes ten paid holidays and provides 15 days of vacation for new associates beginning on January 1 of each year, as well as sick time, personal days, and a paid day for volunteerism. Associates may be eligible for bonuses and profit sharing. All associates are eligible for the firm's Employee Assistance Program. For more information on the Benefits available to Edward Jones associates, please visit our benefits page.
