What are the responsibilities and job description for the Real Estate Associate Attorney – Commercial Transactions position at Direct Counsel?
Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate to join a highly regarded real estate practice in Los Angeles. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 5–10 years of experience handling sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, development, and title and survey review.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience representing developers, investors, lenders, owners, and operators across a broad range of commercial real estate matters and will be comfortable managing transactions from inception through closing.
Responsibilities
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
- Structure, negotiate, and close commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions
- Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements and related transaction documents
- Conduct and oversee due diligence investigations
- Manage transaction timelines and closing processes
Real Estate Finance
- Represent borrowers and lenders in commercial real estate financing transactions
- Review and negotiate loan documents, security instruments, and financing agreements
- Assist clients with refinancing and restructuring matters
Leasing
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial lease agreements
- Advise landlords and tenants on leasing strategies and risk management
- Handle office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use leasing matters
Development & Asset Management
- Advise clients on all phases of commercial real estate development projects
- Review title commitments, surveys, easements, and related real property matters
- Assist with development agreements, entitlements, and project-related issues
- Support clients with ongoing asset management and operational matters
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Active California Bar membership or eligibility to practice in California
- 5–10 years of substantive commercial real estate transactional experience
- Significant experience handling acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, and development matters
- Experience reviewing and analyzing title and survey matters
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Strong client management and communication abilities
- Ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions
- Strong academic credentials
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $250,000 – $300,000
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- Generous paid time off and parental leave
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
- Professional development and business development resources
- Mentorship and formal attorney training programs
Why Join This Opportunity?
- Work on sophisticated commercial real estate transactions across multiple asset classes
- Significant client contact and responsibility from day one
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial team environment
- Strong mentorship and career development opportunities
- Platform for long-term professional growth and advancement
Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.
Salary : $250,000 - $300,000