Real Estate Counsel

The Real Estate Counsel provides legal support across the company’s real estate development platform, including acquisitions, development, construction, investment, leasing, and asset management. This role assists with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating real estate agreements, supports due diligence and regulatory review, and helps ensure compliance with corporate policies and applicable laws.

The Real Estate Counsel works closely with the Senior Real Estate Counsel, General Counsel, Development, Construction, Investments, and Asset Management teams to help mitigate legal risks, support transactional activity, and ensure alignment between legal requirements and business objectives.

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Essential Functions:

Real Estate Transactions & Legal Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate real estate-related agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, construction contracts, access agreements, easements, and vendor contracts under the guidance of Senior Real Estate Counsel.

• Support legal due diligence on acquisitions and development projects, including review of title, survey, zoning, permitting, environmental reports, and entitlement issues.

• Assist with analyzing legal risks and preparing recommendations for internal stakeholders.

• Ensure agreements comply with federal, state, and local laws as well as internal governance standards.

Leasing Support

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and residential leases, amendments, renewals, and related documentation.

• Provide legal interpretation and support for lease-related questions, compliance matters, and tenant obligations.

• Partner with Asset Management and Leasing teams on occupancy planning and lease implementation.

Risk Management & Dispute Support

• Identify potential legal risks associated with development, construction, and leasing matters and escalate issues when necessary.

• Support dispute resolution efforts, including tenant issues, contract questions, and construction-related matters, in coordination with Senior Real Estate Counsel.

• Assist in creating, updating, and maintaining internal contract templates, policies, and procedures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Development, Construction, Finance, Operations, and HR teams to support real estate transactions and operational initiatives.

• Communicate legal considerations in a clear and practical manner to non-legal colleagues.

• Support internal teams with compliance education and best practices as needed.

Other:

• Demonstrate the company’s core values consistently.

• Lead or participate in strategic initiatives and perform additional executive responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

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Skills and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active state bar license required.

• 3–6+ years of real estate legal experience, preferably in development, acquisitions, construction, leasing, or commercial real estate transactions.

• Experience drafting and negotiating real estate agreements and supporting multi-phase development projects.

• Familiarity with zoning, land use, permitting, construction law, and landlord–tenant regulations.

• Strong analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.

• Experience working in-house at a real estate company or representing real estate developers or investors is preferred.

• Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer and office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

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Competencies:

• Strong understanding of real estate transactions and related legal frameworks.

• Ability to identify risks and propose solutions appropriate to a mid-level counsel role.

• Effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and external counsel.

• Clear communication of legal concepts to diverse stakeholders.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills across multiple projects.

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Why This Opportunity is Exciting for You: We offer a competitive compensation package, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• 401(k) with Employer Match

• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Additional Information:

• FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

• Location: Based in Cleveland, Ohio

• Travel: up-to 5%

• Reports To: General Counsel

• Direct Reports:

• Decision Making Authority: The Real Estate Counsel may independently negotiate and approve routine or lower-risk agreements within delegated limits. More complex, high-value, or high-risk matters require review and approval from the Senior Real Estate Counsel or General Counsel.

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About Stark Enterprises:

Stark Enterprises is a full-service real estate development company based in Cleveland, Ohio, with expertise in acquisition, development, leasing, property management, construction, architectural design, landscape architecture, marketing, and security. We are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Stark Enterprises is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company that values both its employees and the communities it serves.