Leasing Counsel

The Opportunity:

Macdonald & Company is excited to partner with a leading public real estate investment trust in appointing a Leasing Counsel.

This attorney will work closely with the VP & Counsel, as well as internal leasing, development, and construction teams, to review, draft, negotiate, and manage leasing and supplemental lease documents from preparation through execution across the company’s national portfolio. In addition, the Leasing Counsel will collaborate with the operations team to advise on disputes as needed.

The Firm:

Our client is a leading owner, operator, and developer of high-end retail and mixed-use properties. Their diverse 25 million square foot portfolio includes a range of retail assets, from large grocery-anchored shopping centers and lifestyle centers to collections of street retail and urban mixed-use properties. This position offers a hybrid schedule and is based in the DC Metro area, with relocation support available.

The Duties:

• Draft, negotiate, and manage the lifecycle of commercial leases and related documents, including ancillary agreements and lease amendments, from initial draft through execution.
• Serve as a key legal liaison between the legal department and internal stakeholders across leasing, development, construction, and lease administration, as well as external parties such as tenants, brokers, and outside counsel.
• Provide legal support for operational matters across the portfolio, including preparing and responding to tenant default notices, drafting side letters and lease modifications, and advising on enforcement issues and lease compliance.
• Conduct legal analysis and research on lease provisions, use restrictions, tenant and landlord obligations, and other real estate-related legal matters.
• Review and interpret title documents, including Reciprocal Easement Agreements and other encumbrances, to assess impacts on development or redevelopment rights.

Your Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar admission in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5+ years of experience negotiating and drafting retail leases; experience with office and other real estate documents is preferred. Strong negotiating skills and sound business judgment are essential.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Outstanding organizational abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proven ability to handle time-sensitive matters effectively and efficiently.
• Strong legal analysis, writing, and oral communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Strong sense of professional ethics and independent judgment.
• Commitment to internal client service in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and general computer systems.