In-House Counsel

Swenson Lervick Law Office; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO accrual

8 paid holidays

4 YOU Days

Volunteer opportunities

On-Demand Pay

Milestone gifts

Job summary

Sterling Management is seeking an In-House Counsel to support the General Counsel in commercial leasing, real estate acquisitions, and loan transactions. You will draft, review, and negotiate legal documents and coordinate with internal teams and external advisers.

The ideal candidate has a Juris Doctor, North Dakota licensure (Minnesota license preferred), at least 1 year in law firms or in-house, and strong writing and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required; licensed (or eligible) to practice law in North Dakota.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a law firm or in-house, with emphasis in business and real estate transactions.
• Strong writing, analytical abilities and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal support for leasing, acquisitions, and loan transactions.
• Coordinate due diligence, closing documents, and interfacing with title and outside providers.
• Review loan documents and draft/negotiate related agreements.
• Advise on corporate governance, securities compliance, and day-to-day operations.

Skills

Legal drafting

Contract negotiation

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Licensed to practice law in North Dakota

Minnesota license preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join Sterling Management - the most reliable, well-managed, and transparent REIT management firm.

In-House Counsel at Sterling Management is primarily responsible for providing legal support to the General Counsel and the entire Sterling Management team in all aspects of our day-to-day operations with an emphasis in the areas of commercial leasing, real estate acquisitions, and loan transactions.

At Sterling Management, all of our team members significantly contribute to Sterling Management’s vision of being the most reliable, well-managed and transparent REIT management firm in the United States. Our mission is to provide low-risk and income-producing real estate investment opportunities to our investors. Ultimately, Sterling Management exists to serve investors by providing solid and consistent returns. The In-House Counsel role strengthens Sterling Management’s mission and vision by supporting the Legal Department.

Starting at $90,000 (more based on experience)

Job Responsibilities:

Financial Operations:

• Provide strategic legal support in the leasing of office and industrial properties. Draft and negotiate commercial leases, lease amendments, property management and listing agreements and other associated documentation. o Work collaboratively with Sterling Management team members and outside service providers throughout the real estate acquisition and disposition process, including organization and coordination of all closing documents.
• Evaluate acquisition due diligence materials and information and secure necessary internal reviews and approvals. Engage and coordinate services with outside providers (e.g., Phase I, property condition assessment, survey, title, zoning) as appropriate.
• Evaluate title evidence and work closely with title companies to ensure timely closing of real estate acquisitions with acceptable title conditions.
• Provide legal support in 1031 and 721 exchanges, coordinating with all stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Review and analyze loan documents, in concert with finance team members, in connection with acquisition financing and the financing and refinancing of existing properties. Prepare loan opinions, certificates and other legal documents as needed to close real estate loans.
• Draft, review and negotiate construction contracts.

Business Operations:

• Provide periodic support for the REIT Boards and their committees in corporate governance matters.
• With the support of the General Counsel and outside securities counsel, provide assistance in the areas of SEC and state law securities compliance, including private securities offerings.
• In collaboration with the General Counsel, provide cross-functional advice and counsel to Sterling team members on a wide variety of legal matters arising out of the day-to-day operations of Sterling Management.

Leadership:

• Be responsible and accountable for your actions and reactions.
• Understand and engage in trainings, projects and processes aligned to this role and any organization-wide required trainings within the defined timelines.
• Work side by side along with leadership and support teams as appropriate.
• Incorporate learnings from fellow team members into your personal growth and development.
• Serve as a mentor to help in the growth and development of fellow team members.
• Create goals, processes, and habits to succeed in your personal growth and development.
• Cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion for our team members by:
  • Ensuring compliance with all SEC laws and regulations as well as government programs.
  • Ensuring decisions made and work completed represent our company values.
  • Develop and grow your self-awareness around your beliefs and behaviors.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively with fellow team members through active listening to understand.
  • Know as many team members by name and face as possible, using their name as much as possible.
  • Participate in community initiatives and organizations.
• Understand and follow all OSHA and our company safety standards for work you perform.

Benefits That Support You:

• Time off that grows with you. Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues throughout the year and increases with tenure, giving you more flexibility over time.
• Enjoy 8 paid holidays each year.
• Take time to recharge with 4 YOU Days each year, giving you a paid day off each quarter to use how you choose.
• Give back to your community with paid volunteer opportunities.
• Access On-Demand Pay, allowing eligible hourly team members to access a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Celebrate your milestone anniversaries, with a gift card and a paid day off.

Health and Financial Well-Being:

• Choose from three medical plan options, including HSA options, along with dental and vision coverage.
• Receive company HSA contributions to help offset out-of-pocket expenses.
• Build your future with a 401(k) plan that offers up to a 5% company match and immediate vesting.
• Feel financially supported with income replacement benefits for qualifying life events, along with voluntary benefit options to help support you and your family.
• Get additional support when you need it with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Growth and Development:

• Grow your career through leadership and development opportunities designed to support your success.

Sterling Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Experience, Education and Licensure

• Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school with academic distinction required. Must be licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in North Dakota. Licensure in Minnesota as well is preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in a law firm and/or in-house setting with an emphasis in business and real estate transactions.
• Strong analytical and conceptual reasoning abilities. Inquisitive and engaged.
• Sound judgment and strong business, legal and real estate acumen.
• Exceptional legal writing skills. Ability to evaluate complex transactions and draft crisp and clear legal agreements that further business objectives while minimizing risk.
• Open, direct, approachable, clear and decisive communication style.
• Seasoned ability to multi-task, work under pressure and meet required deadlines. Able to prioritize multiple demands and adapt with appropriate flexibility as urgent and unexpected projects arise.
• Must be able to skillfully and independently draft and revise legal documents without the assistance of a legal secretary or paralegal.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Seeks challenges and self-development.
• Demonstrates high levels of expertise and shows commitment, self-confidence and integrity.
• Demonstrates a willingness and eagerness to learn. Receptive to constructive critique.
• Sets thoughtful priorities. Is accountable and sees matters through to closure.
• Collaborative ability to work within a team to achieve group goals. Is considerate and aware of others when taking action.
• Demonstrates humble leadership within the organization.
• Must have a vehicle, valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record and meet company insurability requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite including SharePoint, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel is preferred. This position will not be supported by a legal secretary or paralegal.
• Proficiency of the English language in reading, writing and verbal communication.