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Real Estate Counsel Attorney (Build-to-Suit, Acquisitions/Dispositions, Land Development)

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionReal Estate Counsel (Build-to-Suit, Acquisitions/Dispositions, Land Development)

Locations: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, Short Hills, St. Louis

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Counsel to join a global Am Law firm.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly experienced real estate attorney to join a nationally recognized practice handling sophisticated, high-value transactions for premier clients across multiple asset classes. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in real estate development and redevelopment, build-to-suit leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, and land development matters.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will have 10+ years of sophisticated real estate transactional experience, ideally from a major law firm with a platform. This role will focus on representing developers, owners, investors, REITs, lenders, and corporate occupiers in complex transactions involving industrial, office, retail, multifamily, mixed-use, community facilities, and data center projects.

This is an outstanding opportunity to step into high-impact work, collaborate across offices, and build strong client relationships in a collegial and entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements
  • Handle commercial leasing matters, including:
    • Ground leases
    • Triple-net leases
    • Build-to-suit leases
  • Negotiate development agreements and joint venture documentation
  • Lead land acquisitions and disposition transactions
  • Oversee title, survey, zoning, land use, and entitlement due diligence
  • Coordinate and manage transaction closings
  • Advise on land development and redevelopment projects
  • Manage deal workstreams and ensure timely client deliverables
  • Mentor junior attorneys and collaborate with cross-office teams

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • At least 10 years of sophisticated real estate transactional experience
  • Prior experience with a major law firm or real estate practice
  • Strong background in:
    • Acquisitions and dispositions
    • Build-to-suit leasing
    • Industrial and data center assets
    • Ground leases
    • Complex commercial leasing
    • Zoning, land use, and entitlement matters
  • Proven experience leading complex closings and due diligence
  • Experience mentoring junior attorneys is
  • Must be licensed and in good standing in the jurisdiction where practicing

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will possess:

  • Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills
  • Strong analytical abilities with sophisticated real estate structures
  • Excellent client management and communication skills
  • A proactive, business-minded approach
  • The ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters in a fast-paced environment
  • A collaborative leadership style with mentoring capabilities

Why This Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to join a top-tier real estate platform with access to sophisticated work, premier clients, and meaningful cross-office collaboration. It is ideal for a senior attorney seeking complex transactional work, leadership opportunities, and continued growth within a highly respected practice.