Senior Counsel, Real Estate

Walker & Dunlop • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Walker & Dunlop is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Counsel to serve as a key legal advisor on complex real estate transactions, with a primary focus on affordable housing investments. In this role, you will represent the company in its capacity as a joint venture partner, advising on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of partnerships with affordable housing developers. You will support transactions across the full investment lifecycle—from acquisition and development through stabilization and disposition—while proactively identifying and mitigating legal and business risks. You will work closely with the Affordable Equity and Affordable Development teams, providing strategic, solutions-oriented legal advice that drives successful outcomes and supports the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution
• Active bar admission in good standing to at least one U.S. state bar
• 10+ years of experience in real estate law, with significant transactional experience at a law firm and/or in-house
• Demonstrated experience leading and negotiating joint venture agreements and complex real estate transactions
• Deep understanding of joint venture structures, partnership economics, and real estate transaction frameworks
• Working knowledge of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (Section 42), tax-exempt bonds, and affordable housing regulations
• Strong ability to identify legal risks and develop practical, business-oriented solutions
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
• Proven ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for business stakeholders
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to mentorship and team development
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders
• Embodiment of the Walker Way in approach to work: caring, collaborative, tenacious, driven, and insightful

Nice To Haves

• Experience in affordable housing, LIHTC transactions, and real estate finance strongly preferred
• Experience advising developers, sponsors, or equity partners is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal structuring, negotiation, and execution of joint venture agreements with affordable housing developers, including operating agreements and related governance documents
• Advise internal stakeholders on partnership economics, control rights, capital structures, and exit strategies
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, property management agreements, and other real estate transaction documents
• Provide legal support across the full lifecycle of investments, including acquisition, financing, development, leasing, stabilization, and disposition
• Collaborate with business teams to structure and negotiate equity and debt financing arrangements, including LIHTC equity, tax-exempt bonds, and conventional financing
• Oversee and conduct real estate due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, regulatory compliance, and development risk analysis
• Collaborate with external counsel, developers, lenders, and investors to negotiate terms and resolve complex legal issues
• Advise on asset management and operational matters, including partnership amendments, restructurings, and investor or partner exits
• Serve as a primary legal point of contact for assigned transactions and business teams
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing legal function
• Support the Divisional General Counsel on broader legal initiatives and priorities
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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