Partner-level Commercial Real Estate Attorney

A law firm is seeking a seasoned partner–level commercial real estate attorney with a minimum of eight years of specialized practice to join its Winston-Salem, NC, office. This role demands a strategic thinker who can lead high-value property transactions, mentor junior colleagues, and help shape the firm’s market standing in real estate matters.

Job Overview

• This attorney will serve as a leader in all facets of commercial real estate work, guiding complex acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and land use projects.

• The position involves both high-level legal counseling and business generation, working closely with developers, investors, and lenders to provide comprehensive real estate advice.

• A collaborative mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit are essential to nurture client relationships and build the firm’s commercial property practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Take charge of significant real estate transactions, including:

  • Structuring and negotiating purchase and sale agreements for office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use properties.

  • Drafting, reviewing, and revising commercial leases (office, retail, industrial), including rent structures, tenant improvements, and renewal options.

  • Coordinating due diligence efforts—title review, environmental assessments, survey analysis, and zoning inquiries—to identify and mitigate risks.

  • Advising on land development matters: entitlements, rezoning applications, site plan approvals, and municipal permitting processes.

  • Guiding clients through property financing: drafting loan documents, navigating lender requirements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations.

• Cultivate and expand the client base by:

  • Developing relationships with real estate developers, institutional investors, banks, and other stakeholders in the commercial property sector.

  • Participating in business development initiatives—presentations, pitch meetings, and networking events—to generate new mandates.

• Supervise and coach associates and senior associates by:

  • Reviewing legal work product, offering constructive feedback, and ensuring consistency with firm standards.

  • Delegating tasks appropriately, promoting professional growth, and fostering a team-oriented environment.

• Collaborate with other practice teams (tax, environmental, construction, corporate) to deliver integrated legal solutions tailored to client goals.

• Oversee deal budgets, billing projections, and project timelines to guarantee efficient use of resources and adherence to client expectations.

• Stay current on developments in North Carolina real estate law, emerging zoning trends, and financing structures; share insights through internal memos and client alerts.

Experience & Qualifications

• At least eight years of commercial real estate experience, preferably developed at a well-regarded law firm or in-house legal department handling high-stakes property matters.

• Demonstrated success managing complex real estate deals—acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and financings—involving multi-million-dollar considerations.

• Proven ability to generate new business, cultivate client trust, and maintain long-term relationships in the commercial property space.

• Active membership in the North Carolina Bar (or eligibility for reciprocity transfer).

• History of supervising associates, distributing assignments effectively, and providing mentorship in real estate practice.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Business, Finance, Urban Planning) demonstrating analytical and communication strengths.

Certifications & Licenses

• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina; additional state or federal bar admissions are a plus.

• Completion of continuing legal education (CLE) courses focused on real estate law, land use, tax implications, or property finance.

• Any advanced designation or certificate in real estate law (e.g., RPLU, LEED Green Associate) will be viewed favorably.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Exceptional drafting and negotiation prowess for real estate contracts, including purchase agreements, leases, and loan documents.

• Strong analytical abilities to conduct due diligence reviews, interpret zoning ordinances, and identify legal or financial risks.

• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to articulate complex concepts clearly to clients, lenders, and third parties.

• Leadership acumen to guide associate attorneys, foster collaboration, and uphold high standards of professional development.

• Business-oriented mindset with a track record of identifying growth opportunities, closing transactions, and contributing to firm revenue.

• Proficiency with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and document management systems; familiarity with real estate-specific databases (e.g., CoStar, Real Capital Analytics) is a plus.

• Highly organized, capable of juggling multiple high-stakes matters under tight deadlines without compromising quality.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive partner-level compensation package reflective of market standards and experience.

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.

• Employer-funded contributions toward health and dental insurance.

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• A supportive culture that values work-life balance, professional growth, and entrepreneurial initiative.