Sr Legal Counsel - Real Estate & Construction

Blue Origin•Huntsville, FL

19h

About The Position

Blue Origin is seeking a senior legal counsel to serve as the Legal and Compliance Department’s primary legal support for real estate and construction matters and transactions. This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions and provides centralized support across business units, functions, and locations. The counsel will own the practice area, independently handle transactions and disputes, advise executives and cross-functional partners on risk and strategy, and develop processes, playbooks, and tools to support the company’s growing U.S. and international footprint. The role partners closely with the Facilities, Maintenance, Security, and Operations (FMSO) team across the real estate life cycle, from site identification and due diligence through transaction execution and ongoing compliance. It also supports infrastructure development through construction contract work, claims, disputes, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. The position may be based in Space Coast, Florida; Greater Seattle, Washington; Hutto, Texas; or Huntsville, Alabama.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Active bar membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to obtain and maintain in-house counsel registration where applicable.
At least 7 years of legal experience with a law firm, corporation, or government entity, including substantive experience in commercial real estate transactions and/or construction contracting.
Demonstrated ability to lead sophisticated projects involving multiple team members, such as large due diligence projects or multi-site transaction efforts.
Ability to earn trust, maintain productive work relationships, and advise clients at all levels, from senior leadership to entry-level employees.
Ability to work efficiently and independently and communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
Sound judgment and composure in fast-moving situations, including the ability to take effective action with incomplete information.
Strong legal research skills using common electronic research resources.
Willingness to learn new substantive areas as the Department’s needs evolve.
Applicants must meet the stated U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee, or asylum eligibility under export control regulations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with industrial, manufacturing, aerospace, and/or government-owned real estate.
Familiarity with construction law, including AIA standard forms and design-build agreements.
Exposure to environmental matters in real estate and construction, including Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments, CERCLA, and environmental indemnity and escrow structures.
Experience with economic development incentives, abatements, and site-selection negotiations.
Familiarity with U.S. government contracting, including Federal Acquisition Regulations, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations, and agency-specific regulations.
Work experience prior to law school, on the business side of a large corporation, or in federal government, particularly in construction management, engineering, or real estate.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead counsel across Blue Origin’s real estate life cycle, partnering with FMSO from site identification and due diligence through transaction execution and ongoing compliance.
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements across the U.S. and international real estate portfolio, including preliminary agreements, leases, licenses, purchase and sale agreements, estoppel certificates, SNDAs, easements, renewals, amendments, and nondisclosure agreements.
Lead construction legal support, including contract drafting and negotiation, claim management, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
Conduct and improve real estate due diligence, including review of title commitments and exceptions, surveys, easements, and CC&Rs; advise on zoning, land use, entitlements, and permitting, coordinating specialized local expertise as needed.
Support FMSO and Government Relations on economic incentives, abatements, and site-selection commitments with state and local authorities, including documentation, claw-back exposure, and ongoing compliance.
Manage landlord and construction disputes with litigation counsel, including claim evaluation, settlement strategy and negotiation, and direction of outside counsel as required.
Identify, assess, and escalate risks in partnership with cross-functional experts in regulatory compliance; insurance, risk and recovery; trade compliance; tax; and environmental, health and safety.
Provide practical, business-oriented counsel to executives and colleagues at every level.
Build scalable processes, programs, and tools to improve the Legal and Compliance Department’s delivery of legal services.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year, based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Depending on role type and job level, potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results