Senior Real Estate Counsel

Taylor Root; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

[Unknown Public REIT] in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Counsel, Real Estate to serve as a strategic legal advisor across real estate transactions, operations, leasing, asset management, and related matters.

The role involves partnering with business leaders to influence legal strategy and support a high-value portfolio. 5–7 years CRE experience, JD from ABA school, and strong drafting/negotiation skills are required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school required.
• 5–7 years of commercial real estate experience in top law firm or in-house.
• Experience supporting commercial real estate operations, leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and asset management.
• Ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives and provide practical advice.
• Experience partnering with business stakeholders in a cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary legal partner to Asset Management, Property Management, and Leasing teams on portfolio matters.
• Provide practical legal counsel on operations, tenant issues, vendor relationships, risk management, and contract administration.
• Draft, review, and negotiate leases and related agreements (amendments, renewals, estoppels, SNDAs).
• Support acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and other strategic real estate initiatives.
• Manage due diligence, review title and survey matters, and coordinate with external counsel.
• Assist with dispute resolution, litigation management, environmental matters, and enterprise risk initiatives.
• Develop and improve legal templates, processes, training materials, and knowledge sharing.
• Advise stakeholders on regulatory developments impacting CRE operations and investments.

Skills

Commercial real estate

Contract negotiations

Lease drafting

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Representing a leading publicly traded REIT in Los Angeles, we are proud to be leading the search for a Senior Counsel, Real Estate. This role will serve as a strategic legal advisor across real estate transactions, property operations, leasing, asset management, and other ancillary real estate matters.

This is a pivotal role offering the opportunity to partner directly with business leaders, influence legal strategy, and support a high-value real estate portfolio.

As the Senior Counsel, Real Estate, you will be responsible for:

• Acting as a primary legal partner to Asset Management, Property Management, and Leasing teams on operational and portfolio-related matters.
• Providing practical legal counsel on property operations, tenant issues, vendor relationships, risk management initiatives, and contract administration.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial leases, lease amendments, renewals, consents, estoppels, SNDAs, and related agreements.
• Supporting acquisitions, dispositions, financing transactions, and other strategic real estate initiatives.
• Managing due diligence efforts, reviewing title and survey matters, and coordinating with external counsel and third-party advisors.
• Assisting with dispute resolution, litigation management, environmental matters, and enterprise risk initiatives.
• Developing and improving legal templates, processes, training materials, and knowledge-sharing programs.
• Advising stakeholders on legal and regulatory developments impacting commercial real estate operations and investments.

To be successful in this role our client is looking for a:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar membership.
• Attorney with approximately 5 to 7 years of commercial real estate legal experience gained within a leading law firm and/or in-house legal department.
• Strong experience supporting commercial real estate operations, leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and asset management matters.
• Ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives and provide practical, business-focused advice.
• Experience partnering closely with business stakeholders and operating in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with institutional landlords, public companies, REITs, or complex real estate portfolios is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of construction law and real estate-related contract principles is advantageous.

As a specialist Legal, Risk, and Compliance search and recruitment firm, we are excited to partner with a highly regarded real estate organization known for its significant portfolio, collaborative culture, and commitment to long-term growth. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded and collaborative real estate attorney to join a sophisticated, growth-oriented organization and contribute to the continued success of its legal and real estate platform.

Please note that our client is unable to provide relocation for this role. The listed salary range serves as a guide and the salary offered within that range to the selected candidate will be based on experience, qualifications, and location.