Real Estate Counsel

Position Title: Real Estate Counsel

Job Location:

San Francisco, CA

Job Overview

A well-regarded law firm based in San Francisco is seeking an experienced legal professional to join its real estate and project development team. This role centers on guiding top-tier clients-particularly within the renewable energy sector-through a wide range of complex property and title matters. This is a non-partnership track opportunity tailored for legal professionals who thrive on impactful work without the traditional constraints of partnership progression. The position offers a long-term career path with increasing responsibility, access to global legal practices, and the opportunity to shape large-scale energy and infrastructure transactions from the ground up.

Primary Duties

• Support major renewable energy initiatives with real estate counsel related to the development, acquisition, and leasing of land.

• Draft and negotiate land use agreements, purchase/sale contracts, and related transactional documents.

• Advise on title insurance strategies and handle negotiations with surveyors and title companies.

• Analyze title commitments, cure title issues, and draft related corrective documents.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams on-site control, permitting, and land assembly for utility-scale projects.

• Provide strategic insights into on-site development risks and contract compliance issues.

• Interface with clients, developers, and local stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.

Requirements

• 7-10 years of hands-on experience in commercial real estate law.

• Expertise in title review, curative drafting, and land-related negotiations.

• Prior experience working with or advising clients on renewable energy developments is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple transactions independently.

• Exceptional legal research, writing, and communication capabilities.

• Active license to practice law in the state of California.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admission to the California State Bar (required).

Skills

• Deep understanding of property law, particularly in the context of energy infrastructure.

• Familiarity with title insurance, survey interpretation, and boundary matters.

• Strategic thinker with a detail-oriented approach to documentation and due diligence.

• Strong interpersonal and client management skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively across legal and business teams.

Job Location

• San Francisco, California

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with multiple plan options.

• Mental health support including confidential therapy sessions and well-being programs.

• Paid time off starting at 20 days annually, plus 11 firm-recognized holidays.

• Generous paid parental leave (minimum 14 weeks).

• Fertility and family-forming benefits for all full-time team members.

• 401(k) plan with firm contributions and potential profit-sharing eligibility.

• Pre-tax savings accounts (FSA/HSA) are available.

• Pet insurance and wellness perks including fitness memberships.

• Access to executive coaching and development stipends.

• Annual vacation stipend awarded after meeting billable hour thresholds.

• Paid volunteer hours for community engagement and pro bono work.

• Bonus referral program for identifying outstanding legal talent.