Assistant General Counsel, Real Estate

Description and Key Responsibilities

The Assistant General Counsel (Real Estate) will partner with and share key responsibilities across the real estate legal team members and other internal and external stakeholders to manage matters related to the company's real estate activities, with a primary focus on real estate transactions. This role will also work in development, construction, commercial leasing and other general real estate functions. This role requires strong hands-on legal skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage real estate acquisitions for storage facility and development deals, including: (a) negotiate purchase and sale agreements from letter of intent through execution
• (b) perform and supervise due diligence activities, including title, survey, zoning, and environmental diligence
• (c) develop and implement practical solutions to issues raised during due diligence in consultation with the business team
• (d) oversee the closing process
• (e) work with the relevant business teams to assist in the transition of property ownership and management
• Must be able to handle large volume of single site and large portfolio deals at same time.

Prepare and negotiate a wide range of real estate documents (purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, development agreements, hold-back agreements, easements, CC&Rs, construction contracts, leases, access agreements, subordination and non-disturbance agreements, vendor and service provider contracts, etc.)

• (a) land acquisitions, new development and redevelopment
• (b) development joint ventures
• (c) due diligence
• (b) document review and negotiation
• (c) entitlement processes
• (d) land use issues and disputes
• (e) construction, design and permitting matters

Partner with the commercial leasing team on cell tower, wireless, billboard, retail, solar, battery and ground leasing activities

Build, develop and mentor internal and external teams to prepare the company for high growth

• (a) neighbor questions/disputes about property boundaries
• (b) shared drainage and maintenance issues
• (c) access and easement issues
• (d) other general real estate matters

Work with state and local agencies, utility companies and other governmental or quasi-governmental bodies to evaluate and resolve condemnation claims and easement requests

Manage routine environmental matters affecting the company

Manage and oversee the efficient use of outside counsel in connection with the foregoing activities

Track, manage and analyze internal data on legal spend; design and implement measures to control and reduce costs

Evaluate and implement technology tools for efficient management of legal activities; forward focus on potential use of AI to assist with high volume activities

Monthly, quarterly and annual reporting to senior management regarding team activity, team results and outside counsel spend; create and present materials and reports using PowerPoint and similar tools.

Qualifications

Strong academic credentials and 12+ years of combined relevant law firm and in-house experience; real estate and transaction focused in-house experience required

Business-minded real estate lawyer, a strong and decisive negotiator

Efficient multi-tasker with strong organizational skills who works well under pressure

Experience in a high-volume, fast paced transaction environment is required

Experience with national footprint, multiple jurisdictions and large portfolio transactions is highly desired

Current member in good standing with a state Bar and ability to secure a registered in-house counsel license in Texas is required

Experience working collaboratively with legal and business teams; prior mentoring or supervisory experience is a plus.

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Superior subject-matter expertise in all areas of real estate with keen focus on transactions and development

Ability to effectively and efficiently manage internal and external support (attorneys, paralegals, consultants, etc.)

High level of discretion, maturity and ethical integrity

Process-minded - respect for existing processes but always with an eye toward identifying efficiencies and refinements

Ability to coordinate and collaborate across business units

Results-oriented

Ability to adapt to changing organizational needs and business environments

Proficiency in technology tools, including AI, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and legal billing software