Corporate Attorney-Real Estate

The Michaels Organization•Camden, NJ

About The Position

The Michaels Organization seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and experienced in-house counsel to join its legal team at a national residential real estate development and management company. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the attorney will oversee daily transactional matters, corporate governance, commercial contracting, vendor and service agreements, employment law compliance, and litigation management across the company’s portfolio to support regional operations. The role works closely with the General Counsel, executive leadership, property management teams, and external partners to protect company assets and ensure regulatory compliance. Michaels operates in 35 states. The position focuses on complex real estate transactions and contracts, including land acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, leasing, and financing. It also provides counsel on business planning, disputes, employment matters, regulatory requirements, risk management, and the dissolution or wind-up of businesses and projects. The attorney will coordinate with outside counsel and work with paralegals who manage closing checklists and help drive projects to closing.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant legal experience; the posting states a required range of 5–10 years.
Relevant experience at a national or regional law firm in real estate, corporate, or litigation practice, or as in-house counsel in the real estate, property management, or construction industries.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing of a state bar.
Demonstrated ability to assist with large-scale real estate transactions and closings.
Strong planning, organizational, and management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
Strong business acumen and ability to make practical risk evaluations.
Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
Excellent client relations, written and verbal communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to perform with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.

Responsibilities

Draft and negotiate complex contracts and agreements for large-scale real estate development projects across multifamily residential, mixed-use, and other asset classes.
Structure, draft, and negotiate joint venture and partnership agreements, purchase and sale agreements, leases, mezzanine loan and preferred equity agreements, real estate mortgage financings, letters of intent, confidentiality and consulting agreements, and related contracts.
Review and interpret contracts related to development project operations and management, and advise on contract administration in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
Advise management on business strategic planning, litigation management and resolution, vendor service contracts, licenses, and intellectual property protection.
Provide legal services for the dissolution and wind-up of discontinued businesses, joint ventures, and completed projects.
Review and interpret requirements of governmental agencies and applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and court decisions; advise on new legislative and regulatory requirements and recommend policy or process changes as appropriate.
Identify, monitor, and help manage risks to Michaels, including tracking emerging risks through contact with industry organizations.
Assist in identifying and managing outside counsel for transactional and litigation matters across the portfolio.
Work with paralegals coordinating closing checklists and driving projects to closing.
Counsel management and HR on federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, anti-discrimination statutes, leave policies, and employee accommodations.
Draft and update employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, employee handbooks, and restrictive covenant agreements, including non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements.
Assist with internal employee relations matters, performance management issues, and pre-litigation employment claims or administrative charges, such as EEOC and state labor board matters.