Real Estate Associate Attorney - Construction & Development
Job Description
Job Description
Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate to join a sophisticated real estate practice in Los Angeles. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with significant experience drafting and negotiating construction-related agreements who is looking to work on complex development projects and high-value real estate transactions.
The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of experience advising developers, owners, investors, contractors, and other stakeholders on construction and development matters.
Responsibilities Construction & Development Transactions
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of construction-related agreements, including:
- Design agreements
- Architect agreements
- Engineering agreements
- Construction contracts
- General contractor agreements
- Construction management agreements
- Consultant agreements
- Development-related agreements
- Advise clients regarding project development, risk allocation, and contract administration
- Identify and mitigate legal and business risks throughout the construction process
Real Estate Matters
- Support commercial real estate development projects from inception through completion
- Advise clients regarding construction and development issues associated with:
- Acquisitions and dispositions
- Financing transactions
- Joint venture arrangements
- Mixed-use developments
- Commercial projects
- Hospitality, residential, and industrial developments
- Coordinate with clients, consultants, lenders, contractors, and project teams
Client Counseling
- Provide practical, business-oriented advice to real estate owners, developers, and investors
- Analyze and resolve complex contractual and project-related issues
- Assist clients with dispute avoidance and risk management strategies
- Collaborate with attorneys across real estate, corporate, tax, litigation, and environmental practices
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Active California Bar membership or eligibility to practice in California
- 5–10 years of real estate and construction law experience
- Significant experience drafting and negotiating construction contracts
- Strong understanding of project development and construction risk allocation
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Strong communication and client relationship abilities
- Ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions and projects
- Strong academic credentials
Preferred Experience
- Large-scale commercial development projects
- Real estate finance and development transactions
- Design-build and construction management agreements
- Public-private development projects
- Hospitality, multifamily, office, retail, and mixed-use developments
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $250,000 – $300,000
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- Generous paid time off and parental leave
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
- Professional development and business development support
- Formal mentoring and associate training programs
Why This Opportunity
- Work on sophisticated real estate development and construction projects
- Significant client contact and responsibility from day one
- Collaborate with a highly regarded multidisciplinary real estate team
- Direct mentorship from experienced real estate attorneys
- Entrepreneurial and collaborative firm culture
- Strong platform for long-term professional growth and advancement
Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.