Senior Counsel, Real Estate

About the role

Walker & Dunlop is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Counsel to serve as a key legal advisor on complex real estate transactions, with a primary focus on affordable housing investments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the legal structuring, negotiation, and execution of joint venture agreements with affordable housing developers, including operating agreements and related governance documents
• Advis[e] internal stakeholders on partnership economics, control rights, capital structures, and exit strategies
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, property management agreements, and other real estate transaction documents
• Provide legal support across the full lifecycle of investments, including acquisition, financing, development, leasing, stabilization, and disposition
• Collaborate with business teams to structure and negotiate equity and debt financing arrangements, including LIHTC equity, tax-exempt bonds, and conventional financing
• Oversee and conduct real estate due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, regulatory compliance, and development risk analysis
• Collaborate with external counsel, developers, lenders, and investors to negotiate terms and resolve complex legal issues
• Advise on asset management and operational matters, including partnership amendments, restructurings, and investor or partner exits
• Serve as a primary legal point of contact for assigned transactions and business teams
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing legal function
• Support the Divisional General Counsel on broader legal initiatives and priorities

Education And Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution
• Active bar admission in good standing to at least one U.S. state bar
• 10+ years of experience in real estate law, with significant transactional experience at a law firm and/or in-house
• Demonstrated experience leading and negotiating joint venture agreements and complex real estate transactions
• Experience in affordable housing, LIHTC transactions, and real estate finance strongly preferred
• Experience advising developers, sponsors, or equity partners is a plus

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Deep understanding of joint venture structures, partnership economics, and real estate transaction frameworks
• Working knowledge of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (Section 42), tax-exempt bonds, and affordable housing regulations
• Strong ability to identify legal risks and develop practical, business-oriented solutions
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail
• Strong ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
• P[roven] ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for business stakeholders
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to mentorship and team development
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders

What We Offer

• The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine’s Great Places to Work winners
• Comprehensive benefit options* that have earned Walker & Dunlop the gold level of the 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™, some of which include:
• Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
• Competitive dental and vision benefits
• 401(k) + match
• Pre-tax transit and commuting benefits
• A robust health and wellness program – earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that promote health, engagement, and balance
• Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
• Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care
• Flexible Spending
• Career development opportunities
• Empowerment and encouragement to give back – volunteer hours and donation matching

Pay

An estimated base salary of $200,000 - $220,000 plus a discretionary bonus.

Schedule

Attendance is generally required from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm local time, Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.