Real Estate Counsel

A leading privately held real estate development and homebuilding organization is seeking a Real Estate Counsel to join its growing legal team in Houston. This attorney will play a critical role in supporting sophisticated land acquisition, development, financing, entitlement, and joint venture transactions across a rapidly expanding portfolio.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a real estate attorney who wants to move beyond traditional transactional support and become a true business partner with direct exposure to executive leadership and high-impact development projects.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Head of Real Estate Legal, the Real Estate Counsel will provide legal guidance on complex real estate matters, with a primary focus on land acquisitions, dispositions, development projects, entitlements, financing transactions, and strategic partnerships.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in real estate transactions and be comfortable advising business stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of large-scale land development projects. This role offers significant visibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to lead transactions from inception through execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support complex real estate acquisition and disposition transactions
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, easements, and related transaction documents
• Advise on raw land acquisitions and large-scale development projects
• Partner with business teams regarding land development, governmental approvals, entitlements, and infrastructure matters
• Support construction-related agreements and development contracts
• Assist with financing transactions, land banking arrangements, and joint venture structures
• Provide practical legal advice to internal stakeholders and senior leadership
• Serve as an escalation resource and advisor to experienced real estate paralegals
• Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized legal matters as needed
• Participate in planning meetings and strategic business discussions as a trusted advisor

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Licensed and in good standing with a state bar
• Approximately 3+ years of relevant legal experience
• Significant experience focused on real estate transactions
• Experience with acquisitions and dispositions is required
• Experience involving land development, commercial real estate, homebuilding, or related real estate sectors strongly preferred
• Background from a law firm, developer, homebuilder, municipality, or in-house legal department will be considered
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and issue-spotting skills
• Ability to manage sophisticated transactions and interact confidently with executives and business leaders

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ranging from approximately $175,000 to $215,000, depending on experience
• Annual bonus opportunity (target 10%)
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Free daily catered lunch
• Free parking
• Flexible work environment

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• High-visibility role with direct access to executive leadership
• Opportunity to lead your own transactions and development projects
• Collaborative, supportive legal department with strong business alignment
• Exposure to sophisticated real estate transactions and development work
• Growing organization with significant expansion activity
• Strong culture emphasizing both professional excellence and work-life balance
• Attorneys enjoy direct interaction with senior leadership, meaningful involvement in business strategy, and the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals who view legal as a valued business partner rather than a transactional support function.

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