Assistant General Counsel - Joint Ventures

Hines•Houston, TX

41d

About The Position

When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company's esteemed annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report's Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines. The Assistant General Counsel - Joint Ventures will serve as the senior legal advisor responsible for overseeing joint venture transactions and related matters across Hines' Americas real estate platform. Reporting to the Senior Managing Director - Co-Head of Legal, this role will collaborate closely with firmwide business leaders, outside counsel, and cross-functional departments. The successful candidate will demonstrate seasoned judgment in managing legal risk, structuring complex transactions, and providing strategic counsel to senior leadership while ensuring that Hines' joint venture and corporate risk standards are upheld. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Manage and oversee outside counsel in the negotiation and drafting of joint venture agreements and related documentation for Hines real estate investments throughout the Americas. Ensure consistent application of Hines' joint venture standards, governance principles, and best practices across all transactions. Partner with senior leadership to assess, communicate, and mitigate joint venture risks, providing strategic guidance and practical solutions. Oversee outside counsel in entity formation, deal structuring, and closing processes for complex real estate transactions. Collaborate with internal business teams to align legal strategy with transaction goals, timelines, and commercial priorities. Review and advise on indemnities, guarantees, and other key provisions affecting risk allocation. Liaise with Hines' Compliance, Tax, Risk, and Finance teams to ensure appropriate coordination and adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements. Develop and maintain legal templates, playbooks, and guidance materials for joint ventures and related agreements. Contribute to broader departmental initiatives, including training programs, workflow improvements, and risk management protocols. Support other non-real estate corporate and business contracts as needed. At Hines, we strive for excellence as a leading global real estate investment manager, driven by our by our belief that real estate is fundamentally about people. Our diverse portfolio spans $93.2 billion¹ of assets across such property types as living, office, retail, mixed-use, logistics and life science projects - all designed to enhance value, connection and inspiration. Our strategic approach integrates local expertise with global knowledge, taking calculated risks aligned with our convictions to exceed expectations and tailor solutions to our clients' needs. While our projects are renowned for enhancing cities and pioneering sustainable practices, we recognize that the true driving force behind Hines' success is our 5,000 dedicated employees in 30 countries who draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward. This is why we prioritize investing in our people, offering comprehensive training, competitive compensation, robust benefits and generous vacation packages. By centering our focus on the growth and wellbeing of our team, we cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone, including our clients, can thrive. Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2024. ¹Includes both the global Hines organization and RIA AUM as of December 31, 2023. We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity. No calls or emails from third parties at this time please.

Requirements

J.D. degree from an accredited top-tier US law school.
Ten or more years of legal experience, including substantial exposure to real estate joint venture formation, structuring, and negotiation.
Significant experience managing outside counsel and supervising attorneys in a complex, high-volume environment.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated capacity to identify and manage risk while advancing business objectives.
Highly confident, articulate, self-motivated, practical, and collaborative, with an entrepreneurial and commercial mindset.
Proven ability to prioritize multiple, time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment.
Leadership, team management, and mentoring abilities.
Ability to travel periodically.

Nice To Haves

Prior in-house experience within a real estate investment, private equity, or asset management organization preferred.
Familiarity with compliance, securities, and general corporate matters preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee outside counsel in the negotiation and drafting of joint venture agreements and related documentation for Hines real estate investments throughout the Americas.
Ensure consistent application of Hines' joint venture standards, governance principles, and best practices across all transactions.
Partner with senior leadership to assess, communicate, and mitigate joint venture risks, providing strategic guidance and practical solutions.
Oversee outside counsel in entity formation, deal structuring, and closing processes for complex real estate transactions.
Collaborate with internal business teams to align legal strategy with transaction goals, timelines, and commercial priorities.
Review and advise on indemnities, guarantees, and other key provisions affecting risk allocation.
Liaise with Hines' Compliance, Tax, Risk, and Finance teams to ensure appropriate coordination and adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
Develop and maintain legal templates, playbooks, and guidance materials for joint ventures and related agreements.
Contribute to broader departmental initiatives, including training programs, workflow improvements, and risk management protocols.
Support other non-real estate corporate and business contracts as needed.