Real Estate Counsel Attorney (Build-to-Suit, Acquisitions/Dispositions, Land Development)

Locations: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, Short Hills, St. Louis

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Counsel to join a global Am Law firm.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly experienced real estate attorney to join a nationally recognized practice handling sophisticated, high-value transactions for premier clients across multiple asset classes. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in real estate development and redevelopment, build-to-suit leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, and land development matters.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will have 10 years of sophisticated real estate transactional experience, ideally from a major law firm with a national platform. This role will focus on representing developers, owners, investors, REITs, lenders, and corporate occupiers in complex transactions involving industrial, office, retail, multifamily, mixed-use, community facilities, and data center projects.

This is an outstanding opportunity to step into high-impact work, collaborate across offices, and build strong client relationships in a collegial and entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements
• Handle commercial leasing matters, including:
  • Ground leases
  • Triple-net leases
  • Build-to-suit leases
• Negotiate development agreements and joint venture documentation
• Lead land acquisitions and disposition transactions
• Oversee title, survey, zoning, land use, and entitlement due diligence
• Coordinate and manage transaction closings
• Advise on land development and redevelopment projects
• Manage deal workstreams and ensure timely client deliverables
• Mentor junior attorneys and collaborate with cross-office teams

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• At least 10 years of sophisticated real estate transactional experience
• Prior experience with a major law firm or national real estate practice
• Strong background in:
  • Acquisitions and dispositions
  • Build-to-suit leasing
  • Industrial and data center assets
  • Ground leases
  • Complex commercial leasing
  • Zoning, land use, and entitlement matters
• Proven experience leading complex closings and due diligence
• Experience mentoring junior attorneys is preferred
• Must be licensed and in good standing in the jurisdiction where practicing

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will possess:

• Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills
• Strong analytical abilities with sophisticated real estate structures
• Excellent client management and communication skills
• A proactive, business-minded approach
• The ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative leadership style with mentoring capabilities

Why This Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to join a top-tier real estate platform with access to sophisticated national work, premier clients, and meaningful cross-office collaboration. It is ideal for a senior attorney seeking complex transactional work, leadership opportunities, and continued growth within a highly respected practice.