Associate General Counsel - Real Estate & Construction Attorney

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Associate General Counsel - Real Estate & Construction Attorney

Job Profile Title

Associate General Counsel

Job Description Summary

The Office of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine seeks a full-time Real Estate & Construction attorney to advise and provide legal support for the University, Penn Medicine, and its real estate subsidiaries regarding a broad range of real estate and construction matters, including real estate development, purchases and sales, leases and other matters. The attorney will be expected to advise and assist the University’s Senior Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate Services and her staff in developing and negotiating legal documents for construction and real estate transactions and attending to the business/legal details of such transactions including strategies to mitigate legal and financial risks.

Job Description

LEASING: Prepare and negotiate commercial leases including retail, office and laboratory leases as well as residential leases, easements and other real estate documents; provide advice to the University's real estate team in dealing with day‑to‑day landlord/tenant issues, property management concerns, and the interpretation of leases and other contractual documents; manage related litigation; draft and negotiate licenses and other similar agreements regarding the use of facilities in connection with sporting events, theatrical productions, food and merchandise vending, musical performances and other activities.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Draft, negotiate, and administer construction-related agreements, including: general contractor agreements, design-build contracts, owner-contractor agreements, architect and engineering agreements, subcontract agreements, consultant agreements, advise project teams on contract compliance and risk management, analyze and negotiate change orders, claims, delay disputes, and project modifications, counsel stakeholders and manage litigation regarding construction defects, warranty issues, and performance disputes, review insurance requirements, bonds, indemnification provisions, and risk transfer mechanisms, and guide project teams through project closeout and warranty administration processes.

ACQUISITION/DISPOSITIONS & DEVELOPMENT: Structure, negotiate, draft, and review purchase and sale agreements, ground leases, joint venture and partnership agreements for commercial, industrial, multifamily, mixed-use, retail, and residential properties. Conduct legal due diligence associated with acquisitions and development projects. Review and analyze title commitments, title policies, surveys, easements, encroachments, and restrictive covenants. Advise on property ownership structures, joint ventures, and investment arrangements. Prepare and negotiate financing documents, loan agreements, mortgage instruments, and security agreements. Coordinate real estate closings and post-closing obligations. Support portfolio management initiatives and strategic real estate investments.

ZONING: Advise clients regarding zoning and building code issues and prepare, file and prosecute zoning and building code appeals. Advise clients regarding planning, permitting, environmental requirements, and land-use regulations. Represent clients before zoning boards, planning commissions, municipal authorities, and governmental agencies. Coordinate entitlements and approvals for development projects. Assess legal risks associated with development opportunities and site selection. Monitor regulatory changes that may impact development projects.

UTILITIES/ENERGY: Provide advice regarding utility and energy matters; draft and negotiate utility agreements, renewable energy projects, power purchase agreements and other energy purchasing arrangements and related easements and documents.

LEGAL COMPLIANCE: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local real estate and construction laws. Monitor legal developments affecting real estate ownership, development, financing, environmental matters, and construction activities. Provide legal guidance regarding building codes, licensing requirements, environmental regulations, fair housing laws, ADA requirements. Advise clients as to real estate tax and transfer tax consequences of proposed transactional structures; file and prosecute, as appropriate, tax assessment and tax exemption applications and appeals. Develop and implement contract compliance programs and best practices.

THIRD PARTY CONSULTANTS: Draft, negotiate and structure agreements with real estate brokers and other consultants involved in real estate management and transactions; manage and oversee the work of outside attorneys dealing with real estate and related issues.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from a recognized college or university; graduation from an ABA accredited law school with a J.D. degree; Must be admitted and in good standing in Pennsylvania. Minimum 5 years’ professional experience as a practicing real estate attorney. Familiarity with environmental law, especially laws and regulations relating to the management and abatement of environmental conditions affecting real estate, and familiarity with real estate related aspects of the bankruptcy code are a plus. This position requires a sophisticated understanding of both the legal and business aspects of real estate development and real estate transactions; precise analytical and reasoning skills; impeccable verbal and written communication skills, the ability to identify, frame, and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; and the ability to interact and function effectively both individually and as a team member in both an academic and a business environment.

Demonstrated excellence in legal research, analysis and reasoning and drafting, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice.

Impeccable oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present and advise various audiences in all areas and at all levels including senior leadership, and to tailor communications appropriately.

Ability to identify, frame, and resolve complex and sensitive legal and operational issues, using sound judgement, creativity and discretion. Ability to interact and function effectively in both a higher education environment, as well as in an academic medical center setting.

Strong legal writing, negotiation, and advisory skills, with a practi