Buckingham Companies
PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE
The
Associate Counsel
is a key member of the legal team, providing direct legal support to the General Counsel and Associate General Counsel across a broad range of real estate and corporate legal matters. The role focuses on supporting development, acquisition, disposition, financing, commercial leasing, and property management activities, with an emphasis on real estate transactions, title and survey review, contract negotiation, legal research, and transaction coordination. The
Associate Counsel
ensures effective legal risk management while facilitating business operations and serving as a liaison to internal teams, including development, investment management, finance, construction, commercial leasing, and property management, while supporting the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.
REQUIREMENTS Education Juris Doctor (JD) degree from accredited law school Active license to practice law; good standing with at least one US state bar (Indiana preferred or ability to obtain in-house counsel registration)
Experience & Skills 2-5 years of legal experience, preferably in a law firm real estate practice; in-house real estate legal department experience will be considered Hands-on experience with real estate transactions, including title and survey review, due diligence processes and transaction closings Experience with real estate financing transactions and commercial lease matters preferred Strong working knowledge of commercial real estate practices, contracts and related legal processes
Skills & Attributes Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment High level of accountability, sound judgement and attention to detail Effective written and verbal communication skills with ability to simplify complex legal concepts for business teams Desire to take initiative and work on a variety of legal tasks, including those outside prior experience Eagerness to develop within an in-house environment and partner across departments Proficient in legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite High degree of professionalism, integrity and discretion Ability to adapt to evolving business needs and legal challenges
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of real estate-related agreements, including purchase agreements, loan documents, easements, reimbursement agreements, term sheets, and routine vendor contracts and other commercial agreements. Provide legal oversight and support for real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and development matters. Conduct title and survey review, manage title policy issues, and coordinate with title companies. Coordinate and manage transaction due diligence processes, including assisting with third-party requests such as estoppels and SNDAs. Support property management operations by addressing legal requests, reviewing agreements, and resolving routine legal matters. Monitor commercial lease negotiations led by outside counsel, assist with lease amendments, and elevate legal risks as needed. Supervise and assist with corporate entity formation, compliance filings, and internal record-keeping, ensuring timely and accurate filings. Conduct legal research and provide practical guidance to internal stakeholders on real estate, corporate, and regulatory matters. Collaborate with development, finance, construction, commercial leasing, investor relations, and property management teams to advance transactions and business initiatives Participate in special projects and other legal tasks as assigned Stay informed of changes in real estate law and industry developments relevant to the business. Maintain strict confidentiality and high ethical standards in all legal matters.
Associate Counsel
is a key member of the legal team, providing direct legal support to the General Counsel and Associate General Counsel across a broad range of real estate and corporate legal matters. The role focuses on supporting development, acquisition, disposition, financing, commercial leasing, and property management activities, with an emphasis on real estate transactions, title and survey review, contract negotiation, legal research, and transaction coordination. The
Associate Counsel
ensures effective legal risk management while facilitating business operations and serving as a liaison to internal teams, including development, investment management, finance, construction, commercial leasing, and property management, while supporting the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.
REQUIREMENTS Education Juris Doctor (JD) degree from accredited law school Active license to practice law; good standing with at least one US state bar (Indiana preferred or ability to obtain in-house counsel registration)
Experience & Skills 2-5 years of legal experience, preferably in a law firm real estate practice; in-house real estate legal department experience will be considered Hands-on experience with real estate transactions, including title and survey review, due diligence processes and transaction closings Experience with real estate financing transactions and commercial lease matters preferred Strong working knowledge of commercial real estate practices, contracts and related legal processes
Skills & Attributes Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment High level of accountability, sound judgement and attention to detail Effective written and verbal communication skills with ability to simplify complex legal concepts for business teams Desire to take initiative and work on a variety of legal tasks, including those outside prior experience Eagerness to develop within an in-house environment and partner across departments Proficient in legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite High degree of professionalism, integrity and discretion Ability to adapt to evolving business needs and legal challenges
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of real estate-related agreements, including purchase agreements, loan documents, easements, reimbursement agreements, term sheets, and routine vendor contracts and other commercial agreements. Provide legal oversight and support for real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and development matters. Conduct title and survey review, manage title policy issues, and coordinate with title companies. Coordinate and manage transaction due diligence processes, including assisting with third-party requests such as estoppels and SNDAs. Support property management operations by addressing legal requests, reviewing agreements, and resolving routine legal matters. Monitor commercial lease negotiations led by outside counsel, assist with lease amendments, and elevate legal risks as needed. Supervise and assist with corporate entity formation, compliance filings, and internal record-keeping, ensuring timely and accurate filings. Conduct legal research and provide practical guidance to internal stakeholders on real estate, corporate, and regulatory matters. Collaborate with development, finance, construction, commercial leasing, investor relations, and property management teams to advance transactions and business initiatives Participate in special projects and other legal tasks as assigned Stay informed of changes in real estate law and industry developments relevant to the business. Maintain strict confidentiality and high ethical standards in all legal matters.