Real Estate AssociateDirect 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.Construction & Development TransactionsDraft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of construction-related agreements, including:Design agreementsArchitect agreementsEngineering agreementsConstruction contractsGeneral contractor agreementsConstruction management agreementsConsultant agreementsDevelopment-related agreementsAdvise clients regarding project development, risk allocation, and contract administrationIdentify and mitigate legal and business risks throughout the construction processReal Estate MattersSupport commercial real estate development projects from inception through completionAdvise clients regarding construction and development issues associated with:Acquisitions and dispositionsFinancing transactionsJoint venture arrangementsMixed-use developmentsCommercial projectsHospitality, residential, and industrial developmentsCoordinate with clients, consultants, lenders, contractors, and project teamsClient CounselingProvide practical, business-oriented advice to real estate owners, developers, and investorsAnalyze and resolve complex contractual and project-related issuesAssist clients with dispute avoidance and risk management strategiesCollaborate with attorneys across real estate, corporate, tax, litigation, and environmental practicesQualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law schoolActive California Bar membership or eligibility to practice in California5–10 years of real estate and construction law experienceSignificant experience drafting and negotiating construction contractsStrong understanding of project development and construction risk allocationExcellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skillsStrong communication and client relationship abilitiesAbility to independently manage sophisticated transactions and projectsStrong academic credentialsPreferred ExperienceLarge-scale commercial development projectsReal estate finance and development transactionsDesign-build and construction management agreementsPublic-private development projectsHospitality, multifamily, office, retail, and mixed-use developmentsCompensation & BenefitsSalary range: $250,000 – $300,000Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageLife, short-term disability, and long-term disability insuranceHealth Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) optionsGenerous paid time off and parental leaveEmployee assistance and wellness programsProfessional development and business development supportFormal mentoring and associate training programsWhy This OpportunityWork on sophisticated real estate development and construction projectsSignificant client contact and responsibility from day oneCollaborate with a highly regarded multidisciplinary real estate teamDirect mentorship from experienced real estate attorneysEntrepreneurial and collaborative firm cultureStrong platform for long-term professional growth and advancementDirect Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.