Real Estate Counsel

Essential Functions

• Draft, review, and negotiate real estate-related agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, construction contracts, access agreements, easements, and vendor contracts under the guidance of Senior Real Estate Counsel.
• Support legal due diligence on acquisitions and development projects, including review of title, survey, zoning, permitting, environmental reports, and entitlement issues.
• Afford assistance in analyzing legal risks and preparing recommendations for internal stakeholders.
• Ensure agreements comply with federal, state, and local laws as well as internal governance standards.
• Aid in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and residential leases, amendments, renewals, and related documentation.
• Provide legal interpretation and support for lease-related questions, compliance matters, and tenant obligations.
• Partner with Asset Management and Leasing teams on occupancy planning and lease implementation.
• Identify potential legal risks associated with development, construction, and leasing matters and escalate issues when necessary.
• Support dispute resolution efforts, including tenant issues, contract questions, and construction-related matters, in coordination with Senior Real Estate Counsel.
• Afford assistance in creating, updating, and maintaining internal contract templates, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Development, Construction, Finance, Operations, and HR teams to support real estate transactions and operational initiatives.
• Communicate legal considerations in a clear and practical manner to non-legal colleagues.
• Support internal teams with compliance education and best practices as needed.

Skills And Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active state bar license required.
• 3–6+ years of real estate legal experience, preferably in development, acquisitions, construction, leasing, or commercial real estate transactions.
• Experience drafting and negotiating real estate agreements and supporting multi-phase development projects.
• Familiarity with zoning, land use, permitting, construction law, and landlord–tenant regulations.
• Strong analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Experience working in-house at a real estate company or representing real estate developers or investors is preferred.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer and office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

Competencies

• Strong understanding of real estate transactions and related legal frameworks.
• Ability to identify risks and propose solutions appropriate to a mid-level counsel role.
• Effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and external counsel.
• Clear communication of legal concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills across multiple projects.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting for You

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Additional Information
• FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
• Location: Based in Cleveland, Ohio
• Travel: up-to 5%
• Reports To: General Counsel
• Direct Reports: Decision Making Authority: The Real Estate Counsel may independently negotiate and approve routine or lower-risk agreements within delegated limits. More complex, high-value, or high-risk matters require review and approval from the Senior Real Estate Counsel or General Counsel.

About Stark Enterprises

• Fully service real estate development company based in Cleveland, Ohio, with expertise in acquisition, development, leasing, property management, construction, architectural design, landscape architecture, marketing, and security.
• Committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.
• Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Commitment to valuing both its employees and the communities it serves.