Sr Counsel, Real Estate

Job Description

The Senior Counsel – Real Estate provides advanced legal support in connection with NTTA’s real estate, right-of-way (ROW), leasing, and project development activities. This position reports to the General Counsel and works under minimal supervision with significant latitude for independent judgment and serves as the lead legal resource for real estate-related matters. This role is responsible for leading legal efforts associated with real estate components of major NTTA initiatives, including corridor expansion projects, and coordinating closely with outside counsel and internal stakeholders to support timely project delivery.

Starting Pay Range: $152,029 annually

Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the United States immediately. This position is not available for H1-B visa sponsorship. 

Responsibilities: 

• Serves as lead counsel for ROW, real estate, and leasing matters, including acquisition, disposition, easements, and lease agreements.
• Leads and coordinates legal strategy for ROW acquisition efforts, including working closely with outside counsel on condemnation and acquisition matters.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates real estate and lease agreements, including purchase agreements, easements, licenses, leases, and related instruments.
• Provides legal support for major infrastructure projects, including project-specific real estate and leasing strategy and execution.
• Advises NTTA departments on real estate, leasing, land use, and project development issues.
• Coordinates with outside counsel to ensure alignment with NTTA objectives and efficient use of legal resources. 
• Supports procurement and contract development related to real estate and project delivery. 
• Researches and interprets applicable federal, state, and local laws impacting real estate and infrastructure projects. 
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders, including engineering, procurement, and project teams, to support project goals.
• Participates in meetings with staff, consultants, and outside counsel regarding ongoing and planned projects. 
• Provides legal support on additional matters as assigned.

Qualifications:  

Minimum: 

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. 

• Valid state bar membership.

• At least 5 years of relevant legal experience, with significant focus on real estate, ROW, leasing, or infrastructure-related work. 

• Experience independently handling complex real estate matters, including drafting and negotiating agreements and coordinating with outside counsel.

• Experience supporting or leading ROW acquisition or similar land development efforts.

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external counsel.

• Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

• Strong interpersonal collaboration and communication skills.

• Demonstrates a high level of critical thinking.

• Extensive knowledge of business English and rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Preferred:

• Previous in-house or governmental experience

• Texas Bar Membership 

NTTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.