Sr Counsel, Real Estate

Company Description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Job Description

The Knoxville,TN based Senior Counsel serves as a senior legal advisor and strategic leader, responsible for supporting the legal aspects of the company’s real estate portfolio, facility revenue team, dealer program, retail joint ventures and construction team. This role provides high-level counsel on complex transactions, development initiatives, and regulatory matters, while leading a team of legal professionals and collaborating with leadership to drive business objectives. The position plays a critical role in shaping strategy, managing legal risk, and ensuring compliance across the enterprise.

Essential Functions

1. Draft, review, and negotiate real estate contracts, lease agreements, purchase and sale agreements, easements, and related documents.
2. Lead and manage the legal function for real estate (United States and Canada), dealers, construction, environmental, utilities, facility revenue.
3. Serve as a strategic partner to senior executives, advising on legal implications of real estate decisions and business strategy.
4. Oversee legal risk management related to property use, construction, zoning, environmental compliance, and title issues.
5. Direct resolution of high-stakes disputes involving landlord-tenant relationships, dealer relationships, land use, and property rights.
6. Develop and implement enterprise-wide policies and procedures for real estate lifecycle management and compliance.
7. Lead cross-functional legal support for real estate, construction, facilities, finance, and operations teams.
8. Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement within the legal department.
9. Provide thought leadership on emerging legal trends and regulatory developments in real estate.
10. Build and lead a high-performing team ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
11. Set strategic direction for legal support of business teams.
12. Champion collaboration across departments to ensure legal consistency and operational efficiency.
13. Support legal team innovation in legal processes and technology adoption to improve service delivery and reduce risk.
14. Serve as a role model for ethical conduct, professionalism, and leadership within the organization.
15. Participate in executive-level decision-making and contribute to corporate governance as needed.
16. Provide support for other areas of the legal department as needed.
17. Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Seeking candidates local to or willing to relocate to Knoxville, TN
• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited college or university, required.
• License to practice law in the state of Tennessee or registration with the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners if not licensed in the state of Tennessee.
• Minimum eight (8)+ years prior real estate and/or construction experience working in a law firm or other corporate legal setting is required.
• Strong business acumen
• Time management and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment while working autonomously.
• Ability to draft, review and interpret complex documents.
• Critical thinking and ability to proactively identify potential problems and mitigate existing issues.
• Legal research capabilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to demonstrate confidence, professionalism and assertiveness in complex and challenging circumstances.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Ability to lead, organize, prioritize, and manage projects and teams effectively.
• No job is too big or too small.
• Excellent writing, negotiation, interpersonal and speaking skills.

Additional Information

• Nation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision
• 401(k) and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Fuel Discount
• Adoption Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Onsite Gym and Cafeteria
• Weekly Pay
• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines