Co-General Counsel

Nelson Connects; Sausalito (CA); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects in California seeks an experienced attorney with a strong commercial real estate background to join as a hands-on business partner. The position focuses on CMBS compliance, leases, contracts, and corporate matters within a privately owned commercial real estate investment and property management company with extensive portfolio.

You will advise leadership, draft and negotiate agreements, manage lender relationships, and coordinate with outside counsel.

Qualifications

• Requires California-licensed attorney with strong commercial real estate background.
• Experience with CMBS financing and lender relations preferred.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise leadership on commercial real estate transactions and business matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate leases, contracts, purchase/sale agreements, and vendor agreements
• Support acquisitions and dispositions
• Manage lender relationships, financing documents, and CMBS compliance
• Handle property tax appeals
• Advise on corporate governance and legal entities
• Oversee litigation and coordinate with outside counsel
• Provide practical legal guidance on business risks and opportunities
• Work closely with the CEO, finance, property management, and business development teams

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Communication skills

Business partner mindset

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Schedule:

Hybrid — 3–4 days in office / 1–2 days remote

Salary:

$210K–$235K + annual bonus + benefits

Reports to:

CEO

You are:

• An experienced California-licensed attorney with a strong commercial real estate background who enjoys being a hands‑on business partner.
• Someone with strong CMBS compliance experience
• You’ll join a privately owned commercial real estate investment and property management company with 4+ million square feet of office, retail, and industrial properties.
• There will be two Co-General Counsel attorneys, with responsibilities divided based on experience. One will focus more on contracts, leases, litigation, and acquisitions/dispositions, while the other will focus more on finance, lender relationships, loan compliance, tax appeals, and debt. Both will work together to ensure coverage and support the business.

What you will be doing:

• Advise leadership on commercial real estate transactions and business matters
• Draft, review, and negotiate leases, contracts, purchase/sale agreements, and vendor agreements
• Support acquisitions and dispositions
• Manage lender relationships, financing documents, and CMBS compliance
• Handle property tax appeals
• Advise on corporate governance and legal entities
• Oversee litigation and coordinate with outside counsel
• Provide practical legal guidance on business risks and opportunities
• Work closely with the CEO, finance, property management, and business development teams

What you bring:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active California Bar license in good standing
• Strong experience in commercial real estate, corporate transactions, finance, or related areas
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Experience with leases, lenders, acquisitions/dispositions, or CMBS strongly preferred
• Practical, business-minded approach with excellent communication skills

This is a great opportunity for an attorney who wants to be closely involved with the business and have a meaningful role in a well-established commercial real estate organization.