in
The Garrett Companies

Senior Associate Counsel – Real Estate

The Garrett Companies See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $135,000 - $155,000
  • Indianapolis, IN

Job Description

 
Major Objectives
 

The Senior Associate Counsel – Real Estate is an experienced in-house attorney who provides sophisticated legal support across The Garrett Companies' real estate development, acquisitions, financing and corporate operations. This role serves as a senior legal resource within the team, handling complex transactional and advisory matters with a high degree of independence. 

The Senior Associate Counsel works closely with the General Counsel and serves as a mentor and resource to Associate Counsel, helping to elevate the overall capabilities and output of the Legal team. 

 
 Specific Duties and Responsibilities
  • Draft, review, and negotiate complex real estate and corporate agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, construction contracts, operating agreements, joint venture documents, and financing documents. 
  • Manage and support real estate transactions from contract execution through closing, coordinating with internal teams, outside counsel, lenders, investors, and title companies. 
  • Provide strategic legal counsel to business teams on a wide range of transactional, regulatory, and compliance matters. 
  • Conduct and oversee legal due diligence for acquisitions and development projects, including title review, survey analysis, zoning, and land-use matters, environmental issues, restrictive covenants, organizational documents, leases, contracts, and other property-level matters. 
  • Assist the General Counsel in managing outside counsel relationships and legal spend.
  • Develop and maintain standard form agreements, legal templates, and internal playbooks to improve consistency and efficiency. 
  • Support the Property Management and Asset Management teams on legal matters involving leases, property operations, vendor agreements, compliance issues, resident-related matters, and other portfolio-level concerns. 
  • Mentor and support Associate Counsel in the development of their legal skills and professional growth. 
  • Assist the General Counsel in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating legal risks across the company’s real estate portfolio and business units. 
  • Stay current on relevant changes in real estate, construction, and corporate law and proactively advise leadership on implications. 
  • Support the Investments Committee and executive team on deal structuring and new business initiatives as needed.
Prerequisites:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing required. 
  • Minimum 5–8 years of legal experience in real estate, corporate, or transactional law, with in-house or law firm experience. 
  • Strong background in commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, development, and financing. 
  • Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills. 
  • Ability to manage multiple complex matters independently with strong attention to detail. 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound business judgment. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners. 
  • High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion. 
Pre-Prerequisites (these are the most important items)
  • Living Our Core Values: Consistently demonstrates and upholds our Core Values in all actions, decisions, and interactions. 
  • Ownership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for outcomes and follows through to deliver results. 
  • Growth Mindset: Seeks feedback, embraces development, and continuously improves. 
  • Positive & Solution-Oriented: Approaches challenges with a constructive attitude and a focus on solutions. 
  • Strong Communication: Listens to understand, communicates clearly, and ensures alignment across teams. 
  • Relentless Problem Solving: Demonstrates urgency, resourcefulness, and persistence in resolving challenges. 
  • Strategic Thinking & Anticipation: Thinks ahead, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and next steps. 
  • Team-First Mentality: Supports the team at all levels, no task is beneath the role. We are all broom-pushers. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Challenges the status quo and seeks better, more efficient ways to operate. 
  • Commitment to Excellence: Sets high standards and consistently delivers quality work. 
Physical Demands
  • Must be able to traverse property and facility.
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
 
Initial Training and Orientation
  • Garrett Companies Onboarding Program in Indianapolis.
Ongoing Training
  • Membership to professional organizations and continuing education is supported by The Garrett Companies.
  • Company specific.

Salary
  • $135,000 - $155,000


Have Questions?

Looking for a job or looking to hire? We're here to help! Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Justia Legal Jobs.