Commercial Real Estate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate to join a leading national law firm with a strong presence in California and a sophisticated real estate practice in its San Francisco office. This is an outstanding opportunity for a mid-level attorney to handle high-value transactions in the commercial real estate, mixed-use development, and hospitality sectors.

Position Overview:

The successful candidate will work on a broad range of complex real estate transactions, primarily focusing on mixed-use and residential developments. This role involves significant drafting responsibilities, including carrying complex deal structures through multiple interconnected documents. The position requires demonstrated proficiency in handling real estate matters from inception to closing, as well as the ability to manage transactions independently or as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handle all aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and development deals

• Draft, negotiate, and review purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, ground leases, easements, CC&Rs, and related transactional documents

• Represent clients in complex mixed-use and residential development matters, often involving hospitality components

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including corporate, finance, and land use teams to ensure comprehensive client support

• Maintain strong client relationships through efficient communication, responsiveness, and thoughtful legal guidance

Required Qualifications:

• 3–6 years of real estate transactional experience, preferably at a large or mid-sized law firm

• Experience with mixed-use, residential development, and/or hospitality transactions is required

• Strong technical drafting skills and ability to navigate complex concepts across multiple documents

• A writing sample demonstrating advanced transactional drafting skills is required

• Admission to the California Bar

• Strong academic credentials and immediately transferable skills

Compensation:

In accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law, the salary range for this role is $260,000 – $390,000 per year, dependent on experience and qualifications. This position will be filled in California only.

Why This Role?

This is a high-impact opportunity to join a collaborative, nationally recognized real estate team known for handling some of the most high-profile and complex real estate developments in the country. The firm offers a collegial environment, hands-on mentorship, and a clear path for advancement.