Senior Counsel – Real Estate

The Senior Counsel - Real Estate is the legal advisor on all aspects of the company's commercial real estate portfolio. The work includes advising on the acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, and management of manufacturing facilities, office space, dealerships, distribution centers, and other corporate properties. This work includes transaction structuring and negotiation, due diligence, title and survey review, zoning and land use, environmental matters, and real estate support for corporate transactions and financings.

Job Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of real estate agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, subleases, easements, development agreements, construction contracts, and related ancillary documents.
• Lead and manage real estate transactions from inception through closing, including due diligence, title and survey review, zoning and land use analysis, and environmental matters.
• Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to internal clients on real estate strategy, portfolio management, and operational issues.
• Advise on real estate aspects of corporate transactions, financings, joint ventures, and dispositions.
• Manage and supervise outside counsel, including budgets, work product, and litigation or dispute matters relating to real estate.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Develop and improve template documents, processes, and policies to enhance efficiency and consistency across the real estate function.
• Collaborate with internal partners across facilities, finance, tax, environmental, procurement, and business units.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience practicing commercial real estate law, at a major law firm, in-house legal department, or a combination of both.
• Demonstrated expertise drafting and negotiating complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing.
• Strong working knowledge of due diligence, title, survey, zoning, land use, and environmental considerations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and to deliver clear, practical advice in a fast-paced business environment.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Sound business judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• In-house experience supporting a large corporation, manufacturer, or company with a substantial multi-state real estate portfolio.
• Experience with industrial, manufacturing, automotive, or dealership-related real estate matters.
• Familiarity with construction and development agreements and related project management.
• Experience managing outside counsel and controlling legal spend.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations affecting real estate
• Admission to the State Bar of Michigan, or willingness to obtain in-house counsel registration in Michigan.
• Experience advising on real estate aspects of corporate transactions and financings.
• A working knowledge of site options in connection with dealership transactions