Department:
Legal

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.
• Ability to work PST hours on a consistent basis.

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.

#LI-CR1

#LI-Hybrid

What We Offer

• The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine's Great Places to Work winners
• Comprehensive benefit options* that have earned Walker & Dunlop the gold level of the 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™, some of which include:
  - Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
  - Competitive dental and vision benefits
  - 401(k) + match
  - Pre-tax transit and commuting benefits
  - A robust health and wellness program - earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that
  promote health, engagement, and balance
  - Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
  - Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance
  - Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Career development opportunities
• Empowerment and encouragement to give back - volunteer hours and donation matching

*Eligibility may vary based on average number of hours worked