Real Estate Attorney Associate - California

Real Estate AssociateDirect Counsel is seeking an experienced Real Estate Associate with 6+ years of transactional experience to join a sophisticated and well-established real estate practice in California.This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys handling complex commercial real estate transactions while representing a diverse client base that includes public entities, private developers, corporate clients, property owners, and nonprofit organizations. The role offers meaningful responsibility, a collaborative environment, reasonable billable expectations, and strong opportunities for long-term professional growth.LocationCalifornia – Firmwide (Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, Palm Desert, San Diego, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County) Hybrid work arrangement availableResponsibilitiesHandle sophisticated commercial real estate transactions from inception through closing.Advise clients on: Acquisitions and dispositions, Commercial leasing, Real estate development, Title matters, Real estate financing, Public-private partnership transactionsDraft, review, and negotiate complex transactional documents, including Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSAs), Commercial leases, Statutory development agreements, Disposition and development agreements, Reimbursement agreements, Other real estate and development agreementsRepresent public agencies, private developers, corporations, property owners, and nonprofit organizations in sophisticated real estate matters.Independently manage multiple transactions and competing deadlines.Collaborate with experienced attorneys on complex and multidisciplinary matters.Provide practical and strategic advice throughout the lifecycle of real estate transactions.Qualifications6+ years of relevant commercial real estate transactional experience.Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.Significant experience with acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, title, financing, and development matters.Strong experience drafting and negotiating sophisticated real estate agreements.Ability to independently manage transactions from inception through closing.Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.Strong organizational and project-management abilities.Collaborative and client-focused approach to practice.Preferred ExperienceRepresentation of public agencies and municipalities in real estate matters.Public-private development transactions.Complex development agreements.Experience representing developers, corporate clients, property owners, or nonprofit organizations.Compensation & BenefitsBase Salary: $190,000–$225,000, depending on experience.Annual performance-based bonuses.Discretionary and billable-hours bonus opportunities.Reasonable billable-hours requirement.Hybrid work arrangement available.Competitive health insurance benefits.401(k) with partial employer match.Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities.Why This OpportunityThis role offers a compelling combination of sophisticated real estate work, meaningful autonomy, reasonable billable expectations, and long-term career development. The successful attorney will have the opportunity to handle complex transactions for both public and private-sector clients while working alongside experienced practitioners in a collaborative environment that prioritizes mentorship and professional growth.Interested? Apply through Direct Counsel or reach out to learn more.