About the position
Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers' complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. We proactively solve problems, adapt and grow to continuously serve our customers, communities and each other. Ferguson is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and capabilities across the following industries: Commercial/Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce. Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in. Ferguson would like to hire a resourceful attorney to assist the Real Estate & Facilities and Acquisitions Departments with legal representation, advice, counsel and guidance to all aspects of Ferguson's (and its subsidiaries') real estate matters. Ferguson's portfolio consists of approximately 1,700 locations and includes leasing, purchasing, portfolio and lease administration, inorganic growth, dispute resolution and disposition of excess property.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review and negotiate sophisticated real estate documents for wholesale, retail, industrial, and vacant properties, including commercial leases, subleases, ground leases, build-to-suit leases, purchase and sale agreements, private and public easement and right-of-way agreements, license agreements, deeds, lease terminations, lease assignments, subordination, attornment, and non-disturbance agreements (SNDAs), and estoppels.
- Provide a large volume of representation and support for existing leased locations, including the drafting and negotiation of lease amendments, extensions, and renewals.
- Conduct extensive due diligence for the purchase and/or acquisition (including land assemblage) of property (including, without, limitation, reviewing title documents, zoning reports, code compliance, surveys and environmental reports such as Phase I assessments, Asbestos (ACM) reports, and Property Condition Assessment (PCA) reports).
- Facilitate the legal real estate assistance for the company's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity to support the company's inorganic/acquisition growth with advice and guidance on deal structure, due diligence and documentation.
- Deliver legal support to in-house design and construction teams primarily responsible for the planning, design and construction of new leased or purchased facilities, including the review and negotiation of construction agreements (e.g., AIA forms).
- Handle outside legal counsel and other professional outsourcing relationships and supervise the performance of all legal, environmental and governmental compliance work performed by outside counsel and other professional agents on behalf of the company.
- Negotiate and resolve real estate related legal disputes and inquiries and pre-litigation matters that arise in connection with existing lease relationships, including, without limitation, alleged monetary defaults, condemnation proceedings and lack of performance for required maintenance and repair obligations.
- Stay on top of changes to case law, legislation and regulations that directly affect or impact the company's business or industry.
- Always represent the company in a professional manner to ensure quality customer service and company reputation.
- Abide by all policies, rules and regulations of the company, including all safety rules, regulations and procedures.
- Provide continuing support to the programs, goals, and initiatives of the company.
- Maintain strict confidentiality.
Requirements
- Licensed to practice law in Virginia or elsewhere within the United States.
- Proven experience of at least 5+ years as a practicing attorney (as in-house or law firm counsel).
- Construction law knowledge preferred.
- Environmental law knowledge preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook), Lucernex and Landvision software.
- Ability to develop creative and pragmatic solutions and provide succinct and prudent advice and guidance in response to complex legal questions and issues.
- Ability to argue and negotiate the company's position effectively and persuasively to third parties, including attorneys, government agencies and auditors.
- Ability to lead multiple tasks and numerous issues across multiple locations and to independently set priorities and adapt readily to changing priorities.
- Ability to function autonomously, yet understand the necessity of advising colleagues and management of work progress and any unusual circumstances.
- Superior oral and written communication skills and ability to combine sound, pragmatic legal skill with the knowledge of business goals and objectives.
- Ability to create and build strong, encouraging working relationships with colleagues and maintain an approachable demeanor.
- Strong leadership, management and social skills including ability to engender trust, respect and confidence.
- Experience dealing with a high volume of transactions, contracts, and leases.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Mental health coverage
- Gender affirming and family building benefits
- Paid parental leave
- Associate discounts
- Community involvement opportunities
