Commercial Real Estate Attorney – Partner Level

Schell Bray PLLC; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two Healthcare plans with partial firm

Employer-paid Life & AD&D

Dental and Vision options

FSA/HSA options

Profit‑Sharing contributions

Flexible paid time off

Job summary

Schell Bray PLLC is seeking an experienced Commercial Real Estate Attorney at the Partner level to join our North Carolina real estate practice. This role offers the opportunity to step into an established practice with a strong client base and lead the CRE team.

The ideal candidate will independently manage sophisticated real estate transactions, mentor junior attorneys, and grow the practice while potentially relocating to Greensboro or Chapel Hill.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial real estate experience, including sophisticated transactions.
• Partner-level leadership or demonstrated experience leading a CRE practice.
• Active NC Bar membership or willingness to obtain licensure.
• Ability to maintain regular presence in Greensboro or Chapel Hill offices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage sophisticated commercial real estate matters and transactions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing practical and strategic counsel on complex real estate matters.
• Manage and develop long-term client relationships while supporting the growth of the practice.
• Provide leadership to the commercial real estate practice, including supervising and mentoring junior attorneys.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm on matters involving corporate, business, tax, and related issues.

Job description

About Us

At Schell Bray, we believe sophisticated legal work does not require a large-firm environment. With offices in Greensboro and Chapel Hill, we advise businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout North Carolina and across the country on significant matters involving corporate and business law, commercial real estate, tax-exempt organizations, and trusts and estates.

Our collaborative environment gives attorneys the opportunity to work directly with clients, take ownership of matters from beginning to end, and build long-term relationships. Work-life balance is an important part of our culture, and we believe attorneys can build successful practices while maintaining meaningful lives outside of work.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Real Estate Attorney – Partner Level to join our real estate practice and play a key role in its continued growth and leadership. This is an opportunity to step into an established practice with a strong existing client base and work alongside our current real estate team with the opportunity to take on leadership of the practice group.

The ideal candidate will bring broad commercial real estate experience, the ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions and client relationships, and the experience to mentor and supervise other attorneys. While an existing book of business is welcomed, it is not required. The successful candidate will inherit meaningful existing work and have the opportunity to build upon an established practice. Candidates open to relocation to North Carolina will also be considered.

We are also open to attorneys interested in making a move with an associate, existing team, or small practice group, and welcome conversations with attorneys who may be considering a broader team transition. Experience that complements our transactional practice, including development, land use, zoning, or entitlements, would be particularly valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage sophisticated commercial real estate matters and transactions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing practical and strategic counsel on complex real estate matters.
• Manage and develop long-term client relationships while supporting the continued growth of the practice.
• Provide leadership to the commercial real estate practice, including supervising and mentoring junior attorneys.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm on matters involving corporate, business, tax, and other related legal issues.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial real estate experience, with a strong track record of handling sophisticated transactions and matters independently.
• Partner-level experience or demonstrated experience leading a commercial real estate practice, managing complex matters, and supervising other attorneys.
• Experience managing significant client relationships and serving as a primary legal advisor to commercial real estate clients.
• Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and develop junior attorneys while effectively managing work across a team.
• Active membership in the North Carolina Bar or the ability and willingness to obtain North Carolina licensure.
• Ability to maintain a regular presence in the firm’s Greensboro or Chapel Hill office.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Strong professional relationships within North Carolina’s commercial real estate, development, and business communities.
• Experience in land use, zoning, entitlements, or development that complements a sophisticated commercial real estate transactional practice would be considered.

Application Timeline

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: October 25th, 2026. Submission does not guarantee selection, and Schell Bray reserves the right to modify or cancel the hiring process at any time.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We'll retain all applications for future consideration.

Security Notice

Schell Bray will only contact candidates through official company email addresses or authorized members of our hiring team. We will never request payment or financial information during the recruiting process.

Benefits Overview

At Schell Bray, we invest in our team’s health, well-being, and growth, offering competitive pay and a flexible benefits package that supports employees and their families at every stage. Our benefits include:

• Two Healthcare plans with partial firm contribution for employees and their families.
• Employer-paid Life, AD&D, and long-term disability
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance options
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Profit‑Sharing contributions
• Flexible paid time off annually, inclusive of holidays

Benefits offerings may vary by location, employment status. HSA contributions are exclusive to those enrolled in the HDHP/HSA Medical Insurance plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Schell Bray is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ADA Accommodation Statement

If you require a reasonable accommodation during a selection process, please let us know through our general contact form or indicate this in your application.