Real Estate Transactional Associate

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Transactional Associate to join a prominent and growing real estate practice in Washington, D.C. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney looking to work on sophisticated commercial real estate transactions involving acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financings, joint ventures, and development projects across a wide range of asset classes.

The ideal candidate will have transactional real estate experience and a desire to take on meaningful responsibility while working within a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on complex commercial real estate transactions
• Structure, negotiate, and document:
  • Acquisitions and dispositions
  • Commercial leasing transactions
  • Mortgage financing transactions
  • Mezzanine financing transactions
  • Joint venture arrangements
  • Development projects
  • Real estate investment transactions
• Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, lease agreements, financing documents, joint venture agreements, and related transaction documents
• Conduct transaction due diligence and coordinate closings
• Work directly with lenders, borrowers, investors, developers, landlords, and tenants
• Collaborate with attorneys across finance, private equity, tax, and corporate practice groups
• Manage transactions from initial structuring through closing

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Mid-level or senior-level transactional experience
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Commercial leasing
  • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions
  • Mortgage financing
  • Mezzanine financing
  • Joint venture transactions
  • Real estate development
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication abilities
• Ability to manage sophisticated transactions and client relationships
• Interest in professional growth, mentorship, and long-term career development
• Strong academic credentials

Preferred Experience

• Lender-side or borrower-side finance experience
• Institutional real estate transaction experience
• Joint venture structuring and negotiation
• Development and construction-related transactions

Additional Consideration

• Strong candidates with broader transactional backgrounds outside of real estate will also be considered

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $260,000 – $435,000
• Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and other operational considerations
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Parental leave
• Basic life insurance

Why This Opportunity

• Join a highly regarded and growing real estate practice
• Work on sophisticated and high-value real estate transactions
• Significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility
• Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Collaborative culture with a focus on long-term career growth

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.