Senior Counsel – Real Estate
The Senior Counsel - Real Estate is the legal advisor on all aspects of the company's commercial real estate portfolio. The work includes advising on the acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, and management of manufacturing facilities, office space, dealerships, distribution centers, and other corporate properties. This work includes transaction structuring and negotiation, due diligence, title and survey review, zoning and land use, environmental matters, and real estate support for corporate transactions and financings.
Job Responsibilities:
- Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of real estate agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, subleases, easements, development agreements, construction contracts, and related ancillary documents.
- Lead and manage real estate transactions from inception through closing, including due diligence, title and survey review, zoning and land use analysis, and environmental matters.
- Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to internal clients on real estate strategy, portfolio management, and operational issues.
- Advise on real estate aspects of corporate transactions, financings, joint ventures, and dispositions.
- Manage and supervise outside counsel, including budgets, work product, and litigation or dispute matters relating to real estate.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Develop and improve template documents, processes, and policies to enhance efficiency and consistency across the real estate function.
- Collaborate with internal partners across facilities, finance, tax, environmental, procurement, and business units.
Basic Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience practicing commercial real estate law, at a major law firm, in-house legal department, or a combination of both.
- Demonstrated expertise drafting and negotiating complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing.
- Strong working knowledge of due diligence, title, survey, zoning, land use, and environmental considerations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and to deliver clear, practical advice in a fast-paced business environment.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
- Sound business judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across functions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- In-house experience supporting a large corporation, manufacturer, or company with a substantial multi-state real estate portfolio.
- Experience with industrial, manufacturing, automotive, or dealership-related real estate matters.
- Familiarity with construction and development agreements and related project management.
- Experience managing outside counsel and controlling legal spend.
- Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations affecting real estate
- Admission to the State Bar of Michigan, or willingness to obtain in-house counsel registration in Michigan.
- Experience advising on real estate aspects of corporate transactions and financings.
- A working knowledge of site options in connection with dealership transactions
Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind
Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage
From your very first day, you’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.
Generous Paid Time Off
We believe in work-life balance. That’s why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.
Competitive Retirement Savings Plans
We help you plan for the future with:
- An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans
- An employer contribution, even if you don’t contribute
Income Protection & Insurance Options
Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs - because your peace of mind matters.
Company Vehicle Lease Program
Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.
Family Building Benefit
We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.
Support for Your Growth and Giving Back
We believe in investing in your future and your passions:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Student loan refinancing programs
- 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community
And so much more!
When you join us, you’re not just building a career - you’re joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.
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