Real Estate Associate Attorney Construction & Development

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate to join a sophisticated real estate practice in Los Angeles. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with significant experience drafting and negotiating construction-related agreements who is looking to work on complex development projects and high-value real estate transactions.

The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of experience advising developers, owners, investors, contractors, and other stakeholders on construction and development matters.

ResponsibilitiesConstruction & Development Transactions

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of construction-related agreements, including:
  • Design agreements
  • Architect agreements
  • Engineering agreements
  • Construction contracts
  • General contractor agreements
  • Construction management agreements
  • Consultant agreements
  • Development-related agreements
• Advise clients regarding project development, risk allocation, and contract administration
• Identify and mitigate legal and business risks throughout the construction process

Real Estate Matters

• Support commercial real estate development projects from inception through completion
• Advise clients regarding construction and development issues associated with:
  • Acquisitions and dispositions
  • Financing transactions
  • Joint venture arrangements
  • Mixed-use developments
  • Commercial projects
  • Hospitality, residential, and industrial developments
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, lenders, contractors, and project teams

Client Counseling

• Provide practical, business-oriented advice to real estate owners, developers, and investors
• Analyze and resolve complex contractual and project-related issues
• Assist clients with dispute avoidance and risk management strategies
• Collaborate with attorneys across real estate, corporate, tax, litigation, and environmental practices

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar membership or eligibility to practice in California
• 5–10 years of real estate and construction law experience
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating construction contracts
• Strong understanding of project development and construction risk allocation
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Strong communication and client relationship abilities
• Ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions and projects
• Strong academic credentials

Preferred Experience

• Large-scale commercial development projects
• Real estate finance and development transactions
• Design-build and construction management agreements
• Public-private development projects
• Hospitality, multifamily, office, retail, and mixed-use developments

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $250,000 – $300,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Generous paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Professional development and business development support
• Formal mentoring and associate training programs

Why This Opportunity

• Work on sophisticated real estate development and construction projects
• Significant client contact and responsibility from day one
• Collaborate with a highly regarded multidisciplinary real estate team
• Direct mentorship from experienced real estate attorneys
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative firm culture
• Strong platform for long-term professional growth and advancement

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.