What are the responsibilities and job description for the Real Estate Attorney position at Merus?
REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY
Why Merus?
Formerly known as Al. Neyer, Merus combines more than 130 years of commercial real estate expertise with an integrated team of company owners. We specialize in the construction, development, ownership, and management of a diverse portfolio of real estate assets across a growing footprint in the eastern U.S.
We’re all owners here. This not only sets us apart but deeply influences our culture and operations. Every team member demonstrates a deeper sense of ownership and accountability — in both their daily tasks and the collective success of the organization. Learn more about our culture at www.merus1894.com.
Summary of Responsibilities
The Real Estate Attorney will assist the Associate General Counsel and Real Estate Development market teams with complex commercial and industrial real estate transactions from initial contract through due diligence, leasing, financing, closing, construction and disposition.
Essential Job Functions
- Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements.
- Manage and oversee the legal functions related to the acquisition and disposition of properties.
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial leases, estoppels, and subordination agreements.
- Review and negotiate financing agreements with lenders.
- Review title commitments and surveys, prepare title/survey objection letters, and interface directly with Merus paralegals, title companies, and surveyors to resolve any issues or discrepancies.
- Review environmental reports and work to resolve any identified issues.
- Draft, review, and negotiate development agreements with third-party partners.
- Draft operating agreements and joint venture agreements with investors and partners.
- Draft and negotiate construction agreements with owners.
- Research legal matters as needed, including but not limited to corporate and real estate law.
Essential Competencies
- Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
- Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
- Directs Work - Providing direction, delegating, and removing obstacles to get work done.
- Manages Conflict - Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
- Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
Position Requirements
- Advanced communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong work ethic and ability to self-start.
- Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and seek help when needed.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret information from a variety of sources and produce consistent, accurate, and useful documents.
- Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to ask questions and work collaboratively.
- Hard-working team player with a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
- Ability to work under time pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines with accuracy.
- Ability to exercise discretion with confidential information.
- Comfort with ambiguity and working in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications and Experience
- J.D. from an accredited law school and a valid license to practice law.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (with strong emphasis on Word and Excel).
- 2-5 years of commercial real estate law practice experience.
Safety Hazard of the Job
Normal safety hazards associated with office work, and with occasional observational visits to construction sites.
Physical Demands
Low physical effort required to sit, stand at files, bend, stoop, lift, and walk. Maximum unassisted lift is 35 lbs. Average lift is less than 10 lbs. Requires ability to use a keyboard and monitor. Also requires the ability to communicate verbally, both in person and on the telephone. May require some travel by car.
Environmental Requirements
Average inside office environment. Average office noise levels. No personal protective equipment is required. Ambient temperature is between 68F and 76F.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required. This job description is not a contract or offer for employment, and either you or Merus may terminate employment at any time for any reason.