Senior Counsel, Real Estate

WeWork • New York, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

WeWork is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Real Estate Counsel to join its dynamic legal team to assist in managing and growing its global footprint of over 28 million square feet. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of five years of dedicated experience within real estate legal practice, demonstrating deep expertise and extensive exposure to complex leasing transactions. This role will serve as a primary legal advisor, offering expert counsel concerning WeWork's current and expanding real estate portfolio in the United States and Canada. A core focus of this position will be on all aspects of leasing, including negotiation, lease interpretation, and the diligent handling of any real estate-related queries, escalations, or complex legal issues arising within WeWork's extensive network of buildings. This pivotal role demands a professional who is not only adept at drafting and negotiating substantial leases across diverse markets within the United States but also experienced in managing all associated ancillary lease documents and management agreements. Furthermore, a strong understanding of, and familiarity with, navigating lease disputes is essential. Beyond technical legal acumen, the successful candidate will be a proven team player, accustomed to collaborating seamlessly within cross-functional environments. Exceptional organizational skills are paramount, enabling the attorney to consistently prioritize, coordinate, and effectively manage numerous competing demands while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency. The ability to consistently achieve deadline-driven results in direct support of broader business objectives is a key requirement. WeWork operates within a fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape, thus candidates must demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and a proven ability to embrace change and exhibit resilience in a dynamic environment. This position will be based in WeWork's New York office and will report directly to the Head of Real Estate Legal.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of direct experience in leasing and commercial real estate practice is essential.
• A background that combines top-tier law firm training with in-house exposure is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify novel and complex legal issues, escalate them appropriately when necessary, and effectively translate intricate legal requirements into clear, understandable, and risk-based recommendations for both business and legal functions.
• The capacity to take ownership of one's work product, demonstrating accountability and the ability to operate effectively and independently with minimal oversight, while still maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
• Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or its foreign equivalent from an accredited institution is required.
• Admission to the New York State Bar or eligibility to register as in-house counsel within New York is required.

Nice To Haves

• A background that combines top-tier law firm training with in-house exposure is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Transactional Execution: This includes, but is not limited to, large commercial office leases, management agreements, lease amendments, subordination and non-disturbance agreements, and estoppel certificates. The attorney will ensure all documentation protects WeWork's interests while facilitating the company’s business goals.
• Asset Management & Operational Support: Providing critical legal interpretation of existing leases and support to various WeWork business units on any asset-related questions, emerging issues, escalations, or potential disputes. This requires a deep understanding of contractual obligations and property law.
• Real Estate Due Diligence for Strategic Initiatives: Conducting thorough real estate due diligence in connection with strategic initiatives, including identifying and assessing real estate-related risks and opportunities integral to such strategic initiatives.
• Optimization: Actively participating as a collaborative stakeholder in the development, refinement, and continuous improvement of internal legal processes and best practices. This role contributes to enhancing operational efficiency and legal compliance.
• Strategic and Practical Legal Advice: Delivering timely, strategic, and practical legal advice to internal clients across all organizational levels, ranging from operational teams to top-level executives. This necessitates the ability to translate legal concepts into clear, actionable recommendations.

Benefits

• 20 days of PTO, approximately 13 paid holidays, and 80 hours of paid sick time per full calendar year
• 16 weeks paid parental leave
• competitive healthcare benefits
• 401k plan
• life and AD&D insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior