Counsel

Walker & Dunlop•Calabasas, CA

45d•$170,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are Walker & Dunlop. We are one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, enabling real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities — where people live, work, shop, and play — to life. We are committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in our communities. W&D Affordable Equity (formerly Alliant Capital) is a leading tax credit firm focused on tax credit syndication for the development and financing of affordable multifamily rental housing. As a syndicator of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), W&D Affordable Equity raises corporate equity and monitors the development, construction, lease-up, and permanent financing phases of its investments. With a dedicated team of experienced real estate, asset management, legal, and tax professionals, we provide the highest level of fully integrated real estate and investment support services. Walker & Dunlop is seeking a skilled Counsel to advise on legal matters supporting the Affordable Equity and Affordable Development teams. This role offers the opportunity to play an integral part in a rapidly growing, best-in-class commercial real estate organization and to make a significant impact on its affordable housing initiatives. The Counsel will oversee, assess, and mitigate legal risks; prepare, draft, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements; and advise on property management and leasing matters. This position will also provide legal guidance on transactions and operations requiring affordable housing expertise, particularly projects financed with tax-exempt bonds and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). The ideal candidate is a collaborative and business-minded attorney who brings strong real estate and affordable housing experience to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution.
Admission in good standing to the state bar in the jurisdiction of practice.
4+ years of experience as a real estate transactional attorney, including law firm experience.
Demonstrated experience in the purchase and sale of commercial real estate and a strong background in real estate finance.
Experience with affordable housing transactions, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and/or tax-exempt bond financing.
Comprehensive knowledge and working familiarity with Section 42 Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), tax-exempt bonds, lending practices, title and survey review, and other real estate finance matters.
Strong ability to identify risks, evaluate alternatives, and propose structures or solutions to mitigate potential issues.
Demonstrated skill in drafting, analyzing, and negotiating complex legal documents.
Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills with keen attention to detail.
Strong presentation, negotiation, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of management and external stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Capacity to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across the company and with external partners.
Ownership mindset—demonstrating accountability, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Ability to show ownership of your work, embrace challenges and growth opportunities, and demonstrate patience when learning new processes
Demonstrates courtesy, respect, and thoughtfulness when teaming with colleagues and collaborating with stakeholders

Responsibilities

Work closely with in-house and outside counsel to oversee the drafting and negotiation of company agreements, investment contracts, and related legal documentation.
Provide practical legal advice and recommendations to internal client groups on day-to-day legal and risk mitigation issues, supporting business objectives while maintaining compliance.
Represent tax credit equity investors in the acquisition of interests in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financed projects, including drafting and negotiating partnership agreements and related transaction documents, negotiating financing terms (conventional and tax-exempt), reviewing development and regulatory agreements, and conducting real estate due diligence.
Respond to investor due diligence inquiries regarding lower-tier transactions in connection with tax credit fund closings, and interface directly with investors and investor counsel to resolve legal issues identified during the diligence process.
Review and negotiate debt (conventional and tax-exempt) and equity financing agreements with lenders and tax credit syndicators on behalf of affordable housing developers.
Negotiate and draft documents for the exit of limited partners from lower-tier partnerships at the conclusion of the tax credit compliance or delivery period.
Support the structuring, due diligence, documentation, and closing of investment funds.
Assist the Divisional General Counsel in providing oversight for legal matters pertaining to the business, including leadership, mentoring, and supervision of junior attorneys, paralegals, and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine’s Great Places to Work winners from 2015-2023
Comprehensive benefit options that have earned Walker & Dunlop the silver level of the 2022 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™
Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
Competitive dental and vision benefits
401(k) + match
Pre-tax transit and commuting benefits
A robust health and wellness program – earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that promote health, engagement, and balance
Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance
Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Career development opportunities
Empowerment and encouragement to give back – volunteer hours and donation matching