Real Estate Counsel

First Washington Realty is seeking a talented Real Estate Counsel to join our growing in-house legal team. This junior to mid-level attorney will play a key role in supporting our retail leasing and real estate operations, handling lease negotiations, drafting lease-related contracts, and providing legal guidance on deal structures.

As part of the First Washington Realty Legal Team, you’ll be part of a highly experienced and collaborative legal team of eight in-house real estate professionals, including senior counsel and paralegals with deep expertise in leasing, research, and corporate matters. Spanning multiple locations across the country, First Washington Realty provides an excellent opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow within a well-developed in-house legal environment. The Real Estate Counsel will report to the Associate General Counsel and will receive guidance and mentorship from senior legal team members.

If you’re looking to gain hands-on transactional experience in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting, this is a great opportunity to be involved in the full in-house transactional legal experience, working closely with business professionals across leasing, asset management, property management and construction from LOI through execution.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate retail lease agreements, lease amendments, letters of intent, licenses, and other lease-related documents from initial draft through execution.
• Advise internal teams (leasing, asset management, property management, and construction) on key lease provisions, including CAM, delivery conditions, contingencies, exclusives, and use restrictions.
• Assist in lease enforcement efforts, including drafting default notices and coordinating with outside counsel as needed.
• Conduct lease analysis and document review to support new leasing transactions, renewals, and modifications; prepare lease abstract documents to summarize leases.
• Prepare and review legal documents such as property management agreements, leasing agreements, confidentiality agreements, and vendor contracts.
• Support due diligence efforts by reviewing title reports, surveys, and lease abstracts for new acquisitions, as needed.
• Help maintain, improve and organize lease templates, databases, abstracts, and contract tracking systems to drive efficiency.
• Contribute to a collaborative legal team environment, offering insights and problem-solving support to colleagues as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the legal team and business objectives.
  
  

Qualifications, Knowledge And Skill Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 2-5 years of relevant legal experience (law firm or in-house) with a focus on commercial real estate, leasing, and transactional contracts.
• Experience drafting and negotiating lease agreements or other commercial lease documents.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-lawyers.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative setting and enjoys working with professionals across different disciplines.
  
  

Physical And Environmental Requirements

• Requires the use of a computer screen for extensive periods of time.
• Occasional lifting of 15-20 lbs.
• Requires the ability to remain in stationary position (standing and/or sitting) the majority of the time.
• Extended working hours and minimal travel may be necessary.
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties, as necessary.

First Washington Realty is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.