Real Estate & Land Use Attorney

Miller Johnson seeks a motivated Real Estate & Land Use Attorney to join our Real Estate Practice Group in our Grand Rapids, Detroit, or Kalamazoo offices. This role is ideal for an attorney with a background in real estate, development, energy & sustainability, or municipal law – who may have either a traditional litigation or transactional background – and 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 focus on renewable energy development. We are looking for a collaborative and entrepreneurial attorney who enjoys helping clients move projects forward, providing practical solutions to complex problems, and managing complex development matters from preliminary planning through completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on zoning, land use, and development-related matters, including rezoning, 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, including 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 is a plus.
• Interest in developing expertise in renewable energy and sustainability policies against the backdrop of rapidly evolving technologies.

Culture & Benefits

At Miller Johnson, our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together. We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work‑life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members.

• Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth
• Down to Earth – We stay humble and real
• Grit – We push through and get it done
• Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar
• Committed to Impact – We lift others up
• Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners
• Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical
• Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust

Our benefit package includes:

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