Associate - Real Estate

BakerHostetler•Cleveland, OH

3d•$240,000 - $300,000•Hybrid

About The Position

BakerHostetler’s Cleveland office is seeking a junior- to mid-level associate with 3–6 years of experience to join its Real Estate team within the firm’s Business Practice Group. The associate will work on sophisticated real estate transactions for a diverse client base, including regional, national, and multinational companies. The ideal candidate has strong transactional real estate experience, excellent drafting skills, and a collaborative approach to client service. The position involves handling complex commercial real estate transactions from start to finish, including purchases and sales, development, leasing, and financing. The associate will draft and negotiate transaction documents, conduct real estate diligence, and support diligence and drafting in connection with mergers and acquisitions. Candidates must have a J.D. from a nationally recognized and accredited law school and be admitted to practice law in Ohio. This Cleveland-based role offers mentorship from industry leaders, sophisticated client work, and opportunities for professional and business development in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment. The expected annual salary range is $240,000–$300,000. Associates also participate in a performance- and hours-based bonus program. The salary offered is determined by factors including experience, education and training, geographic region, and relevant skills. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Requirements

3–6 years of experience.
Experience handling a wide variety of complex commercial real estate transactions, including purchases and sales, development, leasing, and financing.
Experience drafting and negotiating sophisticated purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, development agreements, easements, declarations, legal opinions, and closing documents.
Experience with all aspects of real estate diligence review and analysis, including title and survey, zoning, existing leases, environmental matters, and transaction authorization.
Experience handling real estate diligence and drafting in connection with mergers and acquisitions.
Effective and persuasive written and oral communication skills, including experience speaking directly with clients, title companies, surveyors, and opposing counsel.
Ability to manage a fast-paced, complex workload while maintaining priorities, anticipating issues, and assuming a high degree of responsibility.
Professional commitment and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in a collaborative team environment.
Strong academic record and a J.D. from a nationally recognized and accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in Ohio.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Clear and concise oral and written communication with clients and team members.

Nice To Haves

Real estate finance experience.
Franchise real estate acquisition and leasing experience.
Joint venture experience.
Hospitality, home builder, and/or community development experience.
Zoning and land use experience.

Responsibilities

Handle complex commercial real estate transactions from start to finish, including purchases and sales, development, leasing, and financing.
Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, development agreements, easements, declarations, legal opinions, and closing documents.
Review and analyze real estate diligence, including title and survey, zoning, existing leases, environmental matters, and transaction authorization.
Handle real estate diligence and drafting in connection with mergers and acquisitions.
Communicate directly with clients, title companies, surveyors, and opposing counsel.
Manage a fast-paced, complex workload, maintain priorities, anticipate issues, and assume a high degree of responsibility.
Work collaboratively with the team and provide client service.