Legal
Real Estate Attorney - Joint Ventures & Transactions
Senior Attorney / Attorney · Real Estate / Joint Ventures & Transactions
San Francisco, California
About the role
A respected mid-size California law firm is seeking a Senior Real Estate Transactional Attorney to lead sophisticated joint venture, acquisition, development, and financing transactions. The role offers significant deal ownership, direct client engagement, and a defined trajectory toward partnership without the extreme billable targets of traditional BigLaw. The appointed attorney will spearhead the drafting and negotiation of complex joint venture and operating agreements, manage transactions end-to-end, and collaborate closely with partners on strategic business development within a collegiate, non-hierarchical setting.
What we are looking for
- 7-10+ years (up to 12 years) of transactional real estate experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or a well-regarded real estate boutique firm (not open to solo practitioners or very small firms). - Active California State Bar licence (mandatory). - Proven track record leading or co-leading complex real estate transactions end-to-end, with direct client interaction and counterparty negotiations. - Extensive expertise drafting and negotiating complex joint venture and operating agreements. - Based in the San Francisco Bay Area with the capacity to attend the office on required days.
Compensation
$275,000 - $350,000 base salary depending on experience and portable business, plus structured bonus ($150/hr for every hour billed above 1,600 and $200/hr above 1,700). Candidates with portable books may receive an origination credit structure yielding higher total compensation. Annual billable target of 1,600 hours.
Working arrangement
Hybrid
Visa eligibility
No visa sponsorship available. Candidates must have an active California State Bar licence and existing authorisation to work in the United States.
Benefits
All benefits fully firm-paid with no payroll deductions; unlimited holiday/vacation for associates and counsel; transparent partnership progression.
Equity
None (law firm compensation structure with base salary, structured bonus, and origination credits for portable business).