Real Estate Counsel

The Real Estate Counsel provides legal support across the companys real estate development platform including acquisitions development construction investment leasing and asset management. This role assists with drafting reviewing and negotiating real estate agreements supports due diligence and regulatory review and helps ensure compliance with corporate policies and applicable laws.

The Real Estate Counsel works closely with the Senior Real Estate Counsel General Counsel Development Construction Investments and Asset Management teams to help mitigate legal risks support transactional activity and ensure alignment between legal requirements and business objectives.

Essential Functions:

Real Estate Transactions & Legal Support

Draft review and negotiate real estate-related agreements including purchase and sale agreements development agreements construction contracts access agreements easements and vendor contracts under the guidance of Senior Real Estate Counsel.

Support legal due diligence on acquisitions and development projects including review of title survey zoning permitting environmental reports and entitlement issues.

Assist with analyzing legal risks and preparing recommendations for internal stakeholders.

Ensure agreements comply with federal state and local laws as well as internal governance standards.

Leasing Support

Assist in drafting reviewing and negotiating commercial and residential leases amendments renewals and related documentation.

Provide legal interpretation and support for lease-related questions compliance matters and tenant obligations.

Partner with Asset Management and Leasing teams on occupancy planning and lease implementation.

Risk Management & Dispute Support

Identify potential legal risks associated with development construction and leasing matters and escalate issues when necessary.

Support dispute resolution efforts including tenant issues contract questions and construction-related matters in coordination with Senior Real Estate Counsel.

Assist in creating updating and maintaining internal contract templates policies and procedures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work collaboratively with Development Construction Finance Operations and HR teams to support real estate transactions and operational initiatives.

Communicate legal considerations in a clear and practical manner to non-legal colleagues.

Support internal teams with compliance education and best practices as needed.

Other:

Demonstrate the companys core values consistently.

Lead or participate in strategic initiatives and perform additional executive responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

Skills and Experience:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active state bar license required.

36 years of real estate legal experience preferably in development acquisitions construction leasing or commercial real estate transactions.

Experience drafting and negotiating real estate agreements and supporting multi-phase development projects.

Familiarity with zoning land use permitting construction law and landlordtenant regulations.

Strong analytical drafting negotiation and communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide practical business-oriented solutions.

Experience working in-house at a real estate company or representing real estate developers or investors is preferred.

Ability to sit for extended periods use a computer and office equipment and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

Competencies:

Strong understanding of real estate transactions and related legal frameworks.

Ability to identify risks and propose solutions appropriate to a mid-level counsel role.

Effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and external counsel.

Clear communication of legal concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Strong organizational and time-management skills across multiple projects.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting for You: We offer a competitive compensation package including:

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

401(k) with Employer Match

Health Dental Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Additional Information:

FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt

Location: Based in Cleveland Ohio

Travel: up-to 5%

Reports To: General Counsel

Direct Reports:

Decision Making Authority: The Real Estate Counsel may independently negotiate and approve routine or lower-risk agreements within delegated limits. More complex high-value or high-risk matters require review and approval from the Senior Real Estate Counsel or General Counsel.

About Stark Enterprises:

Stark Enterprises is a full-service real estate development company based in Cleveland Ohio with expertise in acquisition development leasing property management construction architectural design landscape architecture marketing and security. We are committed to delivering high-quality innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer Stark Enterprises is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race religion color sex gender identity sexual orientation age disability national origin veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications merit and business need.

Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company that values both its employees and the communities it serves.