Corporate Attorney-Real Estate

The Michaels Organization • Camden, NJ

2d • $150,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Michaels Organization is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and experienced in-house attorney 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, employment law compliance, and litigation management across the company’s portfolio, supporting regional operations in 35 states.

The role focuses on real estate law, corporate governance, commercial contract drafting, risk mitigation, and litigation and dispute resolution. The attorney will work closely with the General Counsel, executive leadership, property management teams, outside counsel, and other external partners to protect company assets and ensure regulatory compliance. The position includes advising on real estate development and operations, business and employment matters, and legal processes for discontinued businesses, joint ventures, and completed projects.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of relevant legal experience; the stated range is 5–10 years.
• Relevant experience at a national or regional law firm in real estate or corporate/litigation departments, or as in-house counsel in real estate, property management, or construction.
• 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, including 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 financing, letters of intent, confidentiality and consulting agreements, and related contracts.
• Review and interpret contracts for development projects and advise on contract administration consistent 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 governmental and legal requirements and advise on new legislative and regulatory requirements, recommending policy or process changes as appropriate.
• Identify, monitor, and help manage company risks, including tracking emerging risks through industry organizations.
• Assist in identifying and managing outside counsel for transactional and litigation matters across the portfolio.
• Work with paralegals coordinating closing checklists and moving projects toward closing.
• Counsel management and Human Resources 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.
• Assist with internal employee relations and performance management matters, as well as pre-litigation employment claims and administrative charges.

Benefits

• Competitive wage
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Generous paid time off
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Michaels Employee Scholarship Program for teammates’ children
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree