Real Estate Attorney - COPT Defense Properties

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist General Counsel with strategy, direction and oversight of legal affairs of the Company, including leasing, development, acquisitions, dispositions, financings and operations of the commercial real estate portfolio. Advise internal and external parties on legal issues incident to the Company's activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Real Estate Development Projects - Identify solutions in light of satisfying key hurdles or requirements to facilitate a smooth process or resolution of an issue. Includes negotiating and revising land leases, development agreements, reciprocal easement agreements, and preparing and drafting construction contracts, architect agreements, and other documents associated with the development and construction of commercial office buildings. Addressing issues and drafting documents and agreements with respect to the Company's joint ventures. For ESG matters, work on "Green Leases" and assist General Counsel on ESG matters.
2. Leasing - Be a resource for and provide appropriate oversight to the leasing manager and her team in drafting and negotiating leases and related letters of intent and agreements. Help achieve an appropriate balance between protecting the Company and pragmatic business terms with expeditious turn-around to sustain Company's reputation of "Landlord of Choice."
3. Joint Ventures and Real Estate - Negotiate core documents, including public-private partnerships, and work inter-departmentally to confirm that appropriate personnel are aware of respective roles, responsibilities and expectations to meet critical deadlines. Includes negotiating, drafting, and reviewing letters of intent and purchase and sale agreements.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify process improvements for best practices, disseminate information on those improvements as appropriate and oversee the implementation of those improvements with other members of Company and/or by administrative staff, as appropriate.
• Participate in professional, industry and governmental organizations and activities to generate beneficial relationships and networks for the Company.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education -

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Law Degree from an accredited law school.

Bar Admittance - Must be admitted to practice in the State of Maryland, Commonwealth of Virginia, or able to waive into either.

Professional Experience -

• Eight to twelve years of relevant experience in a law firm or in-house with a specialization in commercial real estate.
• Experience with development, joint ventures, various types of financing, acquisitions and dispositions and leasing (including build-to-suit and single building leases).
• Commercial real estate experience may include public-private partnerships, ground leases, declarations covenants, conditions and restrictions, and other easement agreements.
• Experience with Government leases (including GSA and Department of Defense leases) and experience with data center leasing is a plus.

Computer Skills -

• Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and ability to learn company specific software.
• Ability to adapt to new or changing software programs.

Mobility - Some travel is required to visit company locations, industry meetings, etc.

Other Requirements -

• Knowledge of real estate topics, including development, construction, leasing and finance.
• Strong communication (oral and written), organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to identify issues and develop practical solutions in a timely and concise manner.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Effective at building relationships both internally and externally.
• Strong verbal, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead a team and be a valuable team member.
• Possess judgment and maturity to balance the interests of the matter at hand with the overall goals and values of the Company.
• Ability to master new subject area and leverage use of external resources.

Pay Range: $155,000 - $200,000

CDP proudly offers to all employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week market-leading health benefits including medical, dental, vision and prescription, etc.