Senior Real Estate Counsel
The Opportunity:
Macdonald & Company is excited to partner with one of the nation’s most recognized real estate developers in appointing a Senior Real Estate Counsel.
This attorney will report directly to the General Counsel and play a key leadership role in overseeing full-cycle commercial and residential/multifamily real estate transactions, as well as advising on a wide array of sophisticated agreements. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with project teams, development managers, and senior executives to bring complex, high-impact developments to life across the Midwest and beyond. This position offers a hybrid schedule and will be based in Chicago, with relocation support available.
The Firm:
Our client is a nationally recognized real estate developer with a diverse portfolio that includes premier shopping centers, mixed-use communities, apartment developments, townhomes, and hospitality projects including full-service and limited-service hotels. Known for its collaborative culture and forward-thinking leadership, the firm is committed to delivering transformative projects that enhance the communities they serve.
The Duties:
- Lead project deal teams for complex real estate transactions from inception through purchase, financing, development, stabilization, and eventual refinancing or sale.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of real estate-related contracts, including purchase and sale agreements, construction contracts, joint venture agreements, reciprocal easement agreements, municipal development agreements, and financing documents.
- Advise internal teams and senior stakeholders on legal risk, strategy, and structuring issues throughout the development lifecycle.
- Collaborate with external counsel, consultants, municipal entities, lenders, and partners to drive transactions to close.
- Support legal aspects of multifamily and hospitality development projects with a focus on mixed-use integration and operational considerations.
- Guide entitlement and zoning processes in conjunction with local municipalities and planning teams.
- Monitor project milestones and coordinate with internal departments including construction, design, and asset management to ensure legal compliance and deal alignment.
- Stay current on real estate and construction law developments, ensuring internal practices remain up to date and effective.
- Represent the company in a professional, proactive, and strategic manner in all legal and business dealings.
Your Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar admission in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in real estate law with a strong focus on development and transactional work.
- Significant experience in multifamily and commercial real estate development, with hospitality experience a plus.
- Proven ability to lead complex, multi-party transactions and effectively manage legal components from end to end.
- Experience with construction contracts, purchase and sale, financing, JV structuring, and public-private agreements.
- Superior organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines concurrently.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across legal and business teams.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.