Senior Legal Counsel

Vaco; California; On-site; USD 220,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring, an established real estate investment and development firm, is seeking an experienced attorney to join its in-house legal team. This role offers ownership of sophisticated real estate transactions and close collaboration with senior leadership to support investment and development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring strong commercial real estate transactional experience, sound business judgment, and the ability to independently manage complex matters in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• J.D. from a highly regarded law school.
• Active California Bar membership required.
• Minimum 3 years of sophisticated commercial real estate transactional experience.
• Experience at leading law firm or in-house with CRE investment, development, or operating company.
• Strong background in commercial leasing, acquisitions, disposition.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of commercial real estate agreements (leases, purchase/sale, financing, joint venture).
• Manage legal aspects of acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, development, and other real estate transactions.
• Advise executive leadership and internal investment teams on legal risks, transaction structures, and business matters.
• Oversee outside counsel on complex transactions, litigation, and corporate matters.
• Support corporate governance, compliance, contract management, and other legal matters.
• Independently manage multiple transactions and provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance.

Skills

Commercial real estate

Contract drafting

Negotiation

In-house experience

Advisory to leadership

Education

J.D. from a highly regarded law school

Job description

Compensation: $220K-$260K Base + Bonus

About the Opportunity

An established commercial real estate investment and development firm is seeking an experienced attorney to join its in-house legal team. This is an opportunity to take ownership of sophisticated real estate transactions, work closely with senior leadership, and play a key role in supporting the company's investment and development activities.

The ideal candidate brings strong commercial real estate transactional experience, sound business judgment, and the ability to independently manage complex legal matters in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of commercial real estate agreements, including leases, purchase and sale agreements, financing documents, and joint venture agreements.
• Manage legal aspects of acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, development, and other real estate transactions.
• Advise executive leadership and internal investment teams on legal risks, transaction structures, and business matters.
• Oversee outside counsel on complex transactions, litigation, and corporate matters.
• Support corporate governance, compliance, contract management, and other legal matters.
• Independently manage multiple transactions and provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance.

Qualifications

• J.D. from a highly regarded law school.
• Active California Bar membership required.
• Minimum 3 years of sophisticated commercial real estate transactional experience, with more experienced attorneys encouraged to apply.
• Experience at a leading law firm or in-house with a commercial real estate investment, development, or operating company.
• Strong background in commercial leasing, acquisitions, disposition

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

For residents of Ontario, Canada only: to the extent the position for employment is not with Highspring or not otherwise noted as vacant above, candidate should be informed that this role is to replace a presently employed person at Vaco by Highspring's client.