Real Estate Associate

Miller Johnson; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Miller Johnson in Detroit seeks an Associate with at least two years of commercial real estate experience to join our Real Estate Practice Group. You will work on sophisticated transactions and collaborate closely with experienced attorneys and clients.

The ideal candidate will have strong drafting and analytical skills, thrive in a collaborative environment, and take on increasing responsibility while developing their practice with mentorship from partners.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school required.
• Admission to the State Bar of Michigan or eligibility for admission in Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in commercial real estate transactions across acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, development, and financing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase/sale agreements, leases, and related documents.
• Assist with structuring and due diligence through negotiation and closing.
• Conduct due diligence including title, survey, zoning, environmental issues.
• Provide practical recommendations aligned with clients’ objectives.
• Engage in client communications to understand transactional goals.
• Collaborate across the Real Estate Practice Group to deliver solutions.
• Participate in client development and professional initiatives.

Skills

Drafting

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Client relationships

Judgment

Team-oriented

Education

Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school

Admission to State Bar of Michigan or eligibility

Job description

Miller Johnson is seeking an Associate with at least two years of commercial real estate experience to join our Real Estate Practice Group. This is an excellent opportunity to work on a broad range of sophisticated commercial real estate transactions while collaborating closely with experienced attorneys and clients.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in commercial real estate transactions and is ready to take on greater responsibility while continuing to develop their practice. This role offers meaningful client interaction, hands‑on involvement throughout the transaction lifecycle, and increasing ownership of matters, supported by experienced attorneys who are invested in their growth and development.

Why Miller Johnson

What sets Miller Johnson apart is not just the work we do, but how we do it. Here, you will find meaningful work, strong collaboration, and a supportive culture where your contributions are valued, your growth is encouraged, and authenticity matters. Guided by integrity and candor, grit, a down‑to‑earth approach, commitment to excellence, and commitment to impact, we foster an environment where attorneys can grow thriving practices, deepen client relationships, contribute meaningfully to the firm's future, and build fulfilling careers.

What You’ll Do

As an Associate within our Real Estate Practice Group, you will:

• Represent clients in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, development, and financing matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, development agreements, and other real estate‑related documents.
• Assist with commercial real estate transactions from initial structuring and due diligence through negotiation and closing, working closely with clients and other parties involved in the transaction.
• Conduct and evaluate due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, environmental, and other property‑related issues.
• Identify legal and business issues and provide practical recommendations that align with clients’ objectives.
• Participate in client communications and develop a strong understanding of clients’ business and transactional objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Real Estate Practice Group and across the firm to provide comprehensive solutions to clients.
• Participate in client development activities, professional development opportunities, and other Practice Group and firm initiatives.

What You Bring

The successful candidate will bring strong drafting and analytical skills, sound judgment, and a genuine interest in commercial real estate. They are motivated to take on increasing responsibility, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are committed to delivering exceptional client service.

Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Admission to the State Bar of Michigan or eligibility for admission in Michigan.
• At least two years of experience practicing commercial real estate law, preferably within a law firm environment.
• Strong drafting, analytical, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an interest in developing direct client relationships.
• Sound judgment and a practical, responsive, curious, and team‑oriented approach to client service.

Our Commitment

At Miller Johnson, we are committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can do their best work and build meaningful careers. We value diverse perspectives, foster authentic relationships, and believe our collective success is strengthened by the unique experiences and contributions of our people.

Miller Johnson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.