Assistant General Counsel, Real Estate

About the Company

Since opening our first self-storage facility in 1972, Public Storage has grown to become the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the world. With thousands of locations across the U.S. and Europe, and more than 170 million net rentable square feet of real estate, we're also one of the largest landlords. We've been recognized as A Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute, and our employees have voted us as having Best Career Growth, ranked us in the Top 5% for Work Culture, and in the Top 10% for Diversity and Inclusion. We're a member of the S&P 500 and FT Global 500, with our common and preferred stocks trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

About the Role

The Assistant General Counsel (Real Estate) will partner with and share key responsibilities across the real estate legal team and other internal and external stakeholders to manage matters related to the company’s real estate activities, with a primary focus on real estate transactions. This role will also work in development, construction, commercial leasing, and other general real estate functions. This role requires strong hands-on legal skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage real estate acquisitions for storage facility and development deals, including:
  • Negotiate purchase and sale agreements from letter of intent through execution
  • Perform and supervise due diligence activities, including title, survey, zoning, and environmental diligence
  • Develop and implement practical solutions to issues raised during due diligence in consultation with the business team
  • Oversee the closing process
  • Work with the relevant business teams to assist in the transition of property ownership and management

  Must be able to handle a large volume of single-site and large portfolio deals simultaneously.

• Prepare and negotiate a wide range of real estate documents (purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, development agreements, hold-back agreements, easements, CC&Rs, construction contracts, leases, access agreements, subordination and non-disturbance agreements, vendor and service provider contracts, etc.)
• Partner with the development team on all development activities, including:
  • Land acquisitions, new development, and redevelopment
  • Development joint ventures
  • Due diligence
  • Document review and negotiation
  • Entitlement processes
  • Land use issues and disputes
  • Construction, design, and permitting matters
• Partner with the commercial leasing team on cell tower, wireless, billboard, retail, solar, battery, and ground leasing activities
• Build, develop, and mentor internal and external teams to prepare the company for high growth
• Manage and resolve real estate issues arising from the ownership and operation of our facilities, including:
  • Neighbor questions/disputes about property boundaries
  • Shared drainage and maintenance issues
  • Access and easement issues
  • Other general real estate matters
• Work with state and local agencies, utility companies, and other governmental or quasi-governmental bodies to evaluate and resolve condemnation claims and easement requests
• Manage routine environmental matters affecting the company
• Manage and oversee the efficient use of outside counsel in connection with the foregoing activities
• Track, manage, and analyze internal data on legal spend; design and implement measures to control and reduce costs
• Evaluate and implement technology tools for efficient management of legal activities; forward focus on potential use of AI to assist with high-volume activities
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to senior management regarding team activity, team results, and outside counsel spend; create and present materials and reports using PowerPoint and similar tools

Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials and 12+ years of combined relevant law firm and in-house experience; real estate and transaction-focused in-house experience required
• Business-minded real estate lawyer, a strong and decisive negotiator
• Efficient multi-tasker with strong organizational skills who works well under pressure
• Experience in a high-volume, fast-paced transaction environment is required
• Experience with a national footprint, multiple jurisdictions, and large portfolio transactions is highly desired
• Current member in good standing with a state Bar and ability to secure a registered in-house counsel license in Texas is required
• Experience working collaboratively with legal and business teams; prior mentoring or supervisory experience is a plus
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Superior subject-matter expertise in all areas of real estate with a keen focus on transactions and development
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage internal and external support (attorneys, paralegals, consultants, etc.)
• High level of discretion, maturity, and ethical integrity
• Process-minded—respect for existing processes but always with an eye toward identifying efficiencies and refinements
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate across business units
• Results-oriented
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational needs and business environments
• Proficiency in technology tools, including AI, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and legal billing software

Workplace

Public Storage teammates are expected to work in the office five days each week with the option to take up to three flexible remote days per month.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this posting. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restrictions or requiring sponsorship now or in the future.