Corporate Counsel - Real Estate

Rural King•Mattoon, IL

1d•$100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Rural King is seeking a Corporate Counsel – Real Estate to support legal aspects of real estate transactions across its retail, commercial, industrial, and vacant property portfolio. The position partners with the Real Estate & Development teams to provide guidance on property acquisitions, financing, leasing, and sales, while managing risk and supporting the company’s growth. The role also assists with company legal and regulatory matters, with a focus on compliance and real estate. It calls for a pragmatic, detail-oriented attorney who can work collaboratively, manage multiple projects, and communicate effectively with internal teams, external counsel, and senior management. The position supports a broad range of legal needs, including real estate transactions, general contracts, vendor relationships, entity formation and operations, regulatory matters, and real estate-related litigation. It develops standardized processes and documents for recurring transactions and may involve supervising outside counsel and performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Attorney’s license in Illinois, or ability to obtain admission within six months.
Administrative, managerial, negotiation, writing, and interpersonal skills.
Detail oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain close attention to detail in legal document review and analysis.
Strong business judgment and a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach to legal issues.
Ability to participate remotely in the online applicant and new-hire onboarding process.
Ability to complete computer-based training.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, lift up to 15 pounds periodically, navigate and access required facilities, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
Close vision required for computer-related activities.

Nice To Haves

Two to five years of experience as a transactional commercial real estate attorney is preferred.
Dual licensure in other states where the company operates is helpful.

Responsibilities

Advise the company on legal aspects of commercial real estate purchases, sales, and leases involving retail, commercial, industrial, and vacant properties.
Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, commercial and ground leases, financing agreements, and development contracts.
Manage and coordinate legal aspects of acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing transactions, including title and survey review, zoning analysis, and closings.
Oversee and coordinate due diligence with internal departments and external environmental, survey, zoning, and engineering consultants.
Provide legal guidance to finance, leasing, construction and development, property management, and other internal departments.
Verify critical portfolio dates, including lease and rent commencement, possession, rent schedules and increases, option notice, and expiration dates.
Coordinate with internal clients on real property tax assessments and assist Senior Counsel – Real Estate and the General Counsel with multijurisdictional appeals.
Develop and maintain standardized processes, templates, and form documents for recurring real estate transactions.
Facilitate Section 1031 deferred exchanges and reverse 1031 exchanges.
Address the company’s broader legal needs and respond to inquiries from regulatory agencies, customers, and the business community as needed.
Prepare business legal reports and correspondence and present information to senior management.
Assist management with general contracts, third-party agreements, and vendor and supplier relationships.
Manage external counsel and real estate-related litigation, aligning legal work with business objectives and cost-effectiveness.
Prepare and file government reports.
Review new business relationships with vendors and subcontractors.
Analyze legal issues related to proposed business ideas.
Draft legal documents, including documents needed to form and operate business entities.
Supervise outside lawyers retained to provide specialized legal services.
May cross-train and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive pay; the position is bonus eligible, and eligible associates may receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Paid time off.
Paid holidays.
401(k) with company match.
Associate discounts.
Career growth and advancement opportunities.
Training and professional development.
Collaborative, team-focused work environment.