Director Senior Counsel Real Estate - Burlington Stores

As the Director, Senior Counsel – Real Estate, you’ll support the Company’s growing asset management function, representing the Company in the negotiation of strategic lease amendments to downsize and redevelop existing stores, sale of surplus properties, negotiating and managing subleases and owned properties, and counseling real estate asset management team in connection with all operational matters related to the Company’s existing store portfolio.

A Day in the Life

• Senior Counsel will play a key strategic role in the corporate initiative to downsize existing Burlington store fleet and will serve as program manager and lead negotiator of complex lease amendments and new (amended and restated) leases reflecting downsize terms.
• Negotiate purchase and sale agreements (including sale-leasebacks) and subleases for disposition of surplus property; collaborate with and manage outside counsel handling sale transactions.
• Negotiate and document other strategic shopping center lease and asset management agreements and amendments, including coordination with, and inclusion of, internal business partner input. This includes lease and store downsizing amendments, distribution center leases and lease amendments, and property management agreements.
• Collaborate with asset management team as needed to manage available term of existing stores and negotiate lease extensions as necessary to ensure seamless deployment of store relocations; coordinate necessary executive and financial approvals.
• Work with asset management team, property management, facilities, store operations, real estate, lease administration and loss prevention groups to resolve problems with landlords, other tenants, subtenants, lenders, government entities, environmental protection agencies, OSHA and other third parties.
• Deal with banks, institutional, and other lenders and debt and/or mortgage holders and holders of collateralized obligations. Supervise real estate paralegals in preparation and negotiation of estoppel and subordination/non-disturbance agreements.
• Handle all other real estate related legal issues, including issues arising from CAM and tax audits, collection of tenant improvement allowances, transfers of titles and deeds, lease, mortgage and covenant restrictions, construction, mechanics’ liens, mortgage concerns, eminent domain, condemnation and zoning
• Manage internal and external deal processes for Burlington’s store portfolio of 877+ locations, and drive continuous improvements and scalability in deal processes and execution. Advise Sr. Management on legal risks and recommend practical plans for managing those risks.
• Liaise with other attorneys, outside counsel, government and municipal officials and internal departments
• Assist in supervising and managing real estate paralegals

You Come With

• JD from an accredited law school is required. Must be a member in good standing of at least one state bar with the ability to obtain New Jersey in-house certification if not admitted in New Jersey.
• 10 to 12  years of experience negotiating and drafting leases, purchase and sale agreements, ground leases, subleases, easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions, assignments and assumptions, financing and collateral documents such as guaranty, recognition and non-disturbance agreements, estoppels and other real estate documents.
• Experience with a variety of facilities required, including, without limitation, shopping centers, enclosed and exterior malls, urban locations, strip centers, stand-alone retail locations, warehouses and distribution centers. Experience in a large law firm or corporate setting for a major retailer or shopping center REIT is preferred.
• High level of integrity and the demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner
• Exceptional time management, prioritization, organizational, and follow-up skills with strong attention to detail.  Prompt in responding to issues with the ability to operate under pressure and to be very flexible at all times, including reprioritizing when necessary
• Ability to deliver effective results and meet tight deadlines and targets
• Ability to make sound business decisions
• Strong problem solving skills; must be proactive and take initiative and have the ability to work independently
• Strong interpersonal/people skills; ability to establish and build partnerships with all levels of management and business partners
• Must have superior communications skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to create and edit business correspondence 
• Must have strong computer skills preferably in MS Office applications, including Excel (intermediate/advanced), Word, Outlook, Visio, and PowerPoint, with the ability to quickly master new systems and software applications

Come join our team. You’re going to like it here!

You will enjoy a competitive wage, flexible hours, and an associate discount. Burlington’s benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage including life and disability insurance. Full time associates are also eligible for paid time off, paid holidays and a 401(k) plan

We are a rapidly growing brand and provide a variety of training and development opportunities so our associates can grow with us. Our teams work hard and have fun together! Burlington associates make a difference in the lives of customers, colleagues, and the communities where we live and work every day. Burlington Stores, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

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