Real Estate & Land Use Attorney

About the role

Miller Johnson seeks a motivated Real Estate & Land Use Attorney to join our Real Estate Practice Group in one of our Grand Rapids, Detroit, or Kalamazoo offices. The role is ideal for an attorney with a background in real estate, development, energy & sustainability, or municipal law—whether litigation‑ or transactional‑focused—who is interested in complex land‑use, zoning, and development matters. The attorney will work closely with developers, municipalities, and clients on projects throughout Michigan, with a particular focus on renewable energy development.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on zoning, land use, and development‑related matters, including rezonings, special use permits, site plan approvals, regulatory approvals, and other entitlements.
• Support commercial real estate and renewable energy development projects through due diligence, municipal ordinance & regulatory review, land‑use analysis, and coordination with consultants and municipalities.
• Draft and negotiate development‑related agreements, such as purchase agreements, easements, development agreements, and related transactional documents.
• Collaborate with planners, engineers, consultants, and attorneys across multiple practice areas to support client objectives.
• Represent clients before planning commissions, zoning boards, and municipal bodies.
• Support land‑use disputes, regulatory matters, and development‑related conflicts.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining strong organization and communication.
• Participate in client development, networking, and community‑engagement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license (or eligibility for admission) to practice law in Michigan.
• 2+ years of experience in commercial real estate, development, land use, zoning, energy & sustainability, municipal law, regulatory, or related practice areas (preferred).
• Strong research, drafting, analytical, and client‑counseling skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and collaborative mindset.
• Experience working with developers, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and consultants on development projects (a plus).
• Interest in developing expertise in renewable energy and sustainability policies.

Culture & Benefits

Our culture is anchored in core values: Integrity and Candor, Down to Earth, Grit, Commitment to Excellence, and Commitment to Impact. We work with an entrepreneurial mindset, move fast and stay practical, and build lasting trust through a rooted and invested approach. We are dedicated to an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work‑life balance and an inclusive environment for uniquely talented team members.

• Competitive wages
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid time off
• Annual performance reviews
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption assistance
• 401(k) retirement plan