Associate Counsel (Bellevue)

ABOUT US

Lake Washington Partners is driven by a mission to build one of the USs great real estate portfolios. Co-founded by brothers Jordan and Jeremy Lott in 2006, our portfolio spans 11.6M square feet and 49 buildings across 10 states including urban and suburban office buildings, diverse industrial properties, and multi-family apartments under our Refound Residential brand. Each of our properties is a testament to our commitment to quality, efficiency, and long-term success.

We are a private, family-owned company guided by respect, honesty, integrity, collaboration, and longevity. These core values guide every decision we make and relationship we build. We believe greatness comes from the right blend of financial success, operational excellence, and social responsibility because our actions impact not just our investors and employees, but the broader community around us. Thats why we drive to be not only good at what we do, but good for those we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Counsel provides legal support for real estate and commercial transactions, and will work with internal stakeholders, business leaders, and outside counsel. This position involves advising on principles of land use and zoning, drafting and negotiation of real estate agreements, leases, and commercial contracts, and providing counsel and representation to business teams to ensure compliance with applicable laws and best practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBIILTIES

Draft, review, and negotiate lease documents, licenses and use agreements, easements, service contracts, design and construction agreements, and other real estate documents.

Provide legal guidance and risk assessment for real estate transactions and vendor relationships.

Advise internal business teams on land use and zoning issues and assist with the drafting of applications.

Conduct research and advise on land use laws, environmental laws, zoning regulations and other municipal requirements.

Manage and assist outside counsel in the preparation of complex transaction documents and on specialized matters related to land use, entitlement work, and litigation.

Collaborate with client teams, consultants, outside counsel, and other stakeholders to facilitate development projects.

Advise leadership and business teams on legal issues, rights, obligations, and strategies to advance business objectives while mitigating risk.

Counsel business teams involved in hearings and proceedings before zoning boards, planning commissions, and other governmental agencies.

Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of commercial real estate transactions, real estate development, construction, commercial contracts, and land use / zoning.

Possesses strong decision-making, critical thinking, and active listening skills, as well as demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and drafting.

Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to monitor and ensure compliance with critical deadlines and terms.

Ability to provide practical legal advice to business team members at all levels; exceptional client-counseling skills.

Has a track record of collaborating with colleagues to achieve organizational objectives.

Ability to exemplify company values in all aspects of job performance.

EDUCATION & / OR EXPERIENCE

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing in the State of Washington.

3-5 years of experience practicing real estate law, preferably at a law firm or in-house legal department.

Experience working with governmental agencies and local planning processes.

Experience working efficiently with outside counsel on specific and strategic matters.

Solid understanding of organizational structures and governance.

Business minded approach with willingness and ability to partner with business teams in achieving organizational objectives.

Ability to demonstrate confidentiality, diplomacy, and discretion.

Reports to : General Counsel

Department : Legal

FLSA Status : Exempt

Position Location : Bellevue, WA

Salary Range : $135,000 - $155,000, depending on experience.

Bonus : Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits :

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Financial protection through short / long-term disability, life, AD&D insurance

401(k) plan with company match of $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle

A paid time off program and paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Applicants must successfully pass a drug test and background check, which will be conducted in accordance with applicable state and local laws.