What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counsel (Real Estate) position at Mass Development?
Who We Are: MassDevelopment, Massachusetts’ premier development finance agency and land bank, collaborates with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and municipalities to catalyze economic growth across the Commonwealth. Our mission is anchored in three core pillars: driving business innovation, accelerating economic development, and empowering communities, and rooted in the principles of access, equity, and inclusion, we are committed to fostering a thriving, resilient economy.
Make an Impact with Us!
Are you interested in applying your strong real estate background as well as your problem solving and collaboration skills to advance economic development in Massachusetts? MassDevelopment is seeking a mission-driven attorney with a minimum of five years of legal experience to join its collaborative in-house counsel team.
You will provide timely, top notch, and practical legal advice to stakeholders across the organization with a particular focus on real estate transactions. We’re looking for proactive, adaptable individuals who cultivate a growth mindset, e.g., are excited to learn new areas of law and policy and are eager to contribute to advancing economic development in Massachusetts. This role is an opportunity to apply your real estate expertise and problem-solving skills to make a meaningful impact within a team-oriented environment.
In addition to real estate matters, you’ll support the variety of issues handled by the in-house legal team, such as procurement, review and/or development of grant agreements, responses to public records requests, and litigation matters. You’ll also tackle other assignments as they arise in the day-to-day operations of the legal department. The team also advises Agency staff on compliance with statutory authority, Board policies, and applicable laws.
What You’ll Do
- Provide the Agency and its component business units with legal advice, knowledge and expertise.
- Conduct research on relevant and emerging areas of law.
- Support the Real Estate Division in commercial and multi-family residential real estate financing transactions and grant programs, with specific duties as follows:
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- Legal lead in drafting and negotiating real estate contracts, including purchase and sales agreements, letters of intent or interest, leases, rights of entry, easements, license agreements, deeds, development services agreements and other matters as needed.
- Overseeing closings to ensure all legal documents are properly executed.
- Advising on zoning and land use issues, environmental due diligence and protections, regulatory compliance issues, entitlements, tenant relocation, land court procedures and processes, and maritime law.
- Preparing and filing all necessary legal documents regarding property transactions and providing legal counsel related to property development and construction projects.
- Legal review for Agency solicitations including requests for proposals, expressions of interest, qualifications and information, as applicable.
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- Manage outside counsel relationships, in consultation with the General Counsel, as needed.
- Stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and legal precedents relevant to the practice area.
- Provide internal training to stakeholders on various legal issues and emerging areas of law.
- Perform other duties as directed by the General Counsel.
- Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
- A J.D. from an accredited Law School.
- Massachusetts Bar membership.
- At least five years of experience working in a law firm, in-house legal department, or another public or quasi-public agency in the field of real estate.
- Experience with real estate litigation, public procurement, and/or contract law are beneficial.
- Ability to oversee multiple projects concurrently while meeting deadlines.
- Excellent client relations skills.
- Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to travel periodically (predominantly within Massachusetts).
- Familiarity with state conflict of interest, open meetings, and public records laws.
- Understanding of workplace concepts and issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, belonging, and anti-oppression.
- Being multilingual is a plus
What We Offer
A robust and generous benefits package in addition to legally required benefits.
- Student Loan Reimbursement for qualified educational debt in compliance with Agency policies and program guidelines
- Tuition Reimbursement for qualified educational debt in compliance with Agency policies and program guidelines
- Medical and Dental Coverage
- Generous employer Contributions to Retirement Savings Plans
- 7.5% employer contribution into a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan
- 457(b) with employer match of up to 5% of employee’s gross pay
- Fitness/Wellness Reimbursement
- Qualified Expense Reimbursement consistent with Agency policies
