Commercial Real Estate Associate

About Morningstar Law Group

Founded in 2012 by ten attorneys from prominent regional and national law firms, Morningstar Law Group was built on a simple premise: deliver exceptional legal counsel while maintaining a client-focused approach to growth. Over the past decade, the firm has expanded from its founding group to more than 40 attorneys, becoming one of North Carolina's leading business law firms.

Morningstar's growth reflects the same principles that guided its founding. Rather than pursuing expansion for its own sake, the firm has grown thoughtfully in response to the needs of its clients and the industries it serves. This measured approach has allowed Morningstar to maintain a highly collaborative culture while continuing to attract sophisticated clients and complex legal matters.

The firm's success is driven by its people. Morningstar is highly selective in recruiting attorneys, seeking professionals who are committed to providing practical, business-oriented counsel and who value collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking, and exceptional client service. As a result, attorneys at Morningstar have the opportunity to work on meaningful matters, develop strong client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the firm.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Commercial Real Estate Attorney with 3–7 years of experience to join our Real Estate and Land Use practice in Raleigh or Durham, NC. You'll handle sophisticated commercial real estate transactions — acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, development, and exchanges — across a wide range of asset classes, including apartment, office, shopping center, retail, flex, medical office, and mixed-use projects.

This is a role with real ownership of deals, not years spent on diligence in the background. You'll work directly with experienced real estate partners, communicate with clients from day one, and take on increasing responsibility for your own matters as you demonstrate you're ready — all within a lean, entrepreneurial firm built by attorneys who left larger firms to practice law differently.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in commercial real estate acquisitions, sales, financings, leases, development transactions, exchanges, and related matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, leases, amendments, easements, development agreements, loan documents, closing documents, and other transaction-related agreements.
• Manage transaction workflow end to end, including due diligence, title and survey review, document preparation, closing checklists, and coordination with clients, lenders, title companies, surveyors, brokers, and opposing counsel.
• Advise clients on the legal and business issues that arise in commercial real estate transactions, including risk allocation, contingencies, closing conditions, financing issues, and practical deal considerations.
• Work on transactions involving a variety of asset classes, including apartment, office, shopping center, retail, flex, medical office, and mixed-use properties.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's business, land use, financing, and litigation practices to provide integrated client service.
• Communicate directly and professionally with clients, opposing counsel, and other transaction participants.
• Take increasing ownership of matters while working in a collegial, team-oriented environment.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with excellent academic credentials.
• 3–7 years of substantive commercial real estate transactional experience.
• Licensed in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; must become licensed in North Carolina within one year.
• Experience drafting and negotiating core commercial real estate transaction documents.
• Familiarity with title, survey, due diligence, financing, leasing, and closing processes.
• Strong analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the attention to detail needed to manage multiple transactions and deadlines.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and a practical, client-service-oriented approach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Large law firm, boutique commercial real estate, developer-side, lender-side, or sophisticated in-house real estate experience

Why Join Morningstar Law Group?

• Real Responsibility: Direct, day-to-day work with partners on substantive, high-stakes transactions — with room to run your own deals commensurate with demonstrated competency.
• Collaborative Culture: A collegial, low-bureaucracy environment that values craftsmanship, client relationships, and working with clients in the way that's most productive for them.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A growing, vibrant firm — lean, efficient, and governed by consensus — that values initiative and innovation.
• Genuine Mentorship: Hands-on professional development from experienced real estate lawyers, with increasing scope and responsibility as the firm grows.
• Competitive Compensation : A compensation package that is competitive and commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; and paid time off and holidays.