Commercial Real Estate Attorney
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES A Commercial Real Estate Attorney DO?
Commercial Real Estate Attorneys play a crucial role in advising clients on matters related to property transactions, leases, zoning laws, and property development. They assist with drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with real estate laws and regulations. Commercial Real Estate Attorneys work with clients to mitigate risks, structure deals, and handle complex real estate disputes. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-value transactions, including acquisitions, financing, and property development projects.
Successful Commercial Real Estate Attorneys possess strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of real estate law, and the ability to manage complex legal documents and agreements. They excel at balancing client interests, conducting thorough research, and providing strategic legal counsel. These attorneys are detail-oriented, proactive, and focused on delivering effective solutions in real estate matters while advancing their expertise in the field.
AVERAGE SALARY FOR
Commercial Real Estate Attorneys
Salaries can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, experience, educational background, and industry sector.
$145,051
Commercial Real Estate Attorney Job Descriptions
Below are four types of Commercial Real Estate Attorney job descriptions, detailing the range and expectations of the role:
Job Description:
We are seeking a skilled Transactional Commercial Real Estate Attorney to assist clients in negotiating and structuring real estate transactions, including sales, purchases, leases, and development agreements. The ideal candidate will have experience in drafting and reviewing complex commercial real estate contracts and agreements.
Responsibilities:
- Negotiate, draft, and review commercial real estate contracts, including purchase agreements, leases, and development contracts.
- Advise clients on property acquisitions, dispositions, and lease structures.
- Conduct due diligence and review title reports, surveys, and environmental assessments.
- Work closely with clients, brokers, and other legal teams to structure transactions that meet client objectives.
- Ensure compliance with applicable zoning, land use, and environmental regulations.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the state bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Experience in commercial real estate transactions, including sales, acquisitions, and leasing.
- Strong negotiation, drafting, and legal research skills.
- Ability to manage multiple transactions and meet deadlines effectively.
Job Description:
We are looking for an experienced Real Estate Finance Attorney to advise clients on structuring and financing real estate transactions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with real estate lending, equity investments, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.
Responsibilities:
- Structure, negotiate, and document loans, mortgages, and equity investments related to commercial real estate.
- Advise clients on financing options, including debt and equity financing structures.
- Draft and review loan agreements, guarantees, and collateral documents.
- Work closely with financial institutions, borrowers, and investors to ensure compliance with financing regulations.
- Provide guidance on securitizations and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the state bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Experience in real estate finance, including loan documentation and structuring.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and drafting skills.
- Experience with securitizations or commercial mortgage-backed securities is a plus.
Job Description:
We are seeking a knowledgeable Land Use and Zoning Attorney to advise clients on zoning regulations, property development, and land use planning. The ideal candidate will be experienced in navigating local zoning laws and representing clients in public hearings or zoning board appeals.
Responsibilities:
- Advise clients on zoning laws, land use regulations, and permitting processes.
- Represent clients in zoning board hearings, land use approvals, and environmental assessments.
- Draft and file applications for zoning variances, permits, and land use changes.
- Assist clients in resolving disputes regarding property use and zoning violations.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to land use and development.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the state bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Experience in land use, zoning, or property development law.
- Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
- Experience representing clients before zoning boards or government agencies.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Commercial Real Estate Litigation Attorney to handle disputes arising in commercial real estate matters. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in litigation and be capable of managing a variety of cases, including landlord-tenant disputes, property damage claims, and breach of contract actions.
Responsibilities:
- Represent clients in commercial real estate disputes, including breach of contract, title issues, and landlord-tenant conflicts.
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and briefs for litigation proceedings.
- Manage discovery, including document review, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Prepare clients and witnesses for trial and hearings.
- Negotiate settlements and represent clients in mediations and court trials.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the state bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Experience in commercial real estate litigation, including disputes over contracts and property issues.
- Strong litigation, negotiation, and legal writing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
Candidate Certifications to Look For
Consider the following certifications and qualifications when evaluating candidates:
Earned after completing law school at an accredited institution. A prerequisite for taking the bar examination in most jurisdictions.
Granted after passing the bar examination and meeting character and fitness requirements. Allows lawyers to practice law in a specific state.
Required in most states before taking the bar exam. It tests knowledge of professional conduct and ethics, ensuring lawyers understand their responsibilities to clients and the courts.
HOW TO HIRE A Commercial Real Estate Attorney
Securing a skilled lawyer requires a strategic approach to identifying professionals with sharp analytical skills, exceptional legal knowledge, and strong advocacy abilities. Here are key strategies to help you hire top legal talent:
Comprehensive Job Descriptions: Clearly articulate the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the role to attract candidates who meet the specific needs of your organization.
Legal Competency Assessments: Incorporate mock case evaluations, legal research exercises, and contract drafting tasks as part of the recruitment process to objectively evaluate candidates’ legal expertise and practical skills.
Focus on Detail Orientation: During interviews, ask questions designed to gauge candidates’ attention to detail and their approach to minimizing errors in their work.
Highlight Opportunities for Growth: Emphasize any potential for career advancement or skill development within the organization to attract candidates who are looking for long-term opportunities.
Leverage Legal-Specific Platforms: Post job listings on platforms that specialize in legal roles, such as those focused on attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals, to access a broader pool of qualified candidates.
Sample Interview Questions
- How do you ensure accuracy and thoroughness when preparing commercial real estate documents, reviewing property contracts, or drafting client correspondence regarding transactions?
- Describe your experience with legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis. Which features do you find most useful when researching property laws, zoning regulations, or commercial lease agreements?
- What strategies do you use to manage competing deadlines, especially when handling multiple assignments like drafting real estate purchase agreements, conducting due diligence, and preparing filings for property transactions?
- Can you share an example of a time when you identified a critical issue in a commercial real estate transaction or lease? How did you address it to assist the client and contribute to a successful outcome?
- How do you stay organized when managing a varied caseload of commercial real estate transactions, including handling client communications, drafting contracts, and ensuring timely filing of legal documents?
- Describe a challenging real estate transaction or project you worked on. What was your role, and how did your contributions resolve the issue or facilitate the completion of the deal?
- How do you ensure confidentiality and protect sensitive client information, particularly when dealing with proprietary business details, real estate valuations, or negotiations in commercial deals?
- In your opinion, what is the most complex aspect of working as a commercial real estate attorney, and how do you navigate those challenges to provide effective legal support for clients?
- How do you approach quality assurance in your work, especially when preparing real estate agreements, reviewing lease terms, or analyzing title reports for accuracy and completeness?
- What steps do you take to stay updated on changes to property laws, zoning regulations, and industry best practices that affect commercial real estate transactions and leasing practices?
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR TEAM
TemPositions can assist you in finding the right fit for your team. Here are three ways to complete your team:
- Utilize TemPositions, a specialized staffing agency.
- Post your job on leading job boards.
- Leverage your professional network in the office sector. TemPositions offers access to a network of pre-screened and qualified professionals, saving time and ensuring you find the right fit for your team.
NEED HELP HIRING A Commercial Real Estate Attorney
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