Associate Attorney - Real Estate Services

Associate Attorney

Salary Range: $83,960 - $125,939. This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Mecklenburg County is seeking an associate attorney to join a dedicated legal team whose primary duties will include real estate services and will be committed to supporting the County's growth and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience in a mission-driven environment where your work directly contributes to building a stronger, more vibrant community for more than one million residents. If you enjoy working in the public sector and are looking for a career where your work is important to the community, come be a part of Mecklenburg County Government and help us provide a community of pride and choice for people to live, learn, work, and recreate.

Position Summary: This position, under direct supervision, is responsible for basic formal and informal legal opinions and drafts a variety of documents of various degrees of complexity. The Associate Attorney will work closely with real estate services or land use and development department under the supervision of a managing attorney, advising on proposed land use transactions, drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, easements or other documents as necessary. Will conduct due diligence to ensure transactions are consistent with county policies and in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Title examination, advising on zoning land use and matters of title as required, negotiating terms, and handling potential litigation or mediation, in consultation with County Attorney.
• Drafting and negotiating of real estate documents including leases, development agreements, easements, Letter of Intent, Purchase and Sales Agreements and other documents related to real estate transactions.
• Identify and resolve operational and business issues associated with the acquisition, disposition and management of County real estate.
• Identify, review, assist and advise as to matters related to real estate title, assist in the process of obtaining satisfactory resolution to title issues often working with external counsel.
• Conduct legal research, document review and analysis to identify and mitigate risks in real estate transactions and development matters. Provide legal guidance and direction as necessary.
• Collaborate, coordinate and work closely with various County departments and external parties and legal counsel as necessary.
• Ensure that real estate transactions comply with federal, state and local laws as well as Mecklenburg County goals and policies.
• Provide legal guidance on affordable housing projects, including compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Provide legal guidance on Mini Brooks Act and other general contracting questions.
• Prepare legal pleadings and other trial documents, if necessary, including but not limited to legal proceedings related to trespass, summary ejectment, and condemnation.
• Handle various aspects of litigation including determining appropriate witnesses, issuing subpoenas reviewing and revising court documents, representing County in judicial proceedings if necessary.
• Refer more complex issues through chain of command to more senior attorney up to County Attorney.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience: No experience required Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.); graduation from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in North Carolina. Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: No

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in North Carolina Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina's Driver's License Must be eligible to obtain and maintain County Driving Privileges

Preferred Qualifications:

3+ years of real estate experience. Experience with land use and acquisition, litigation, conservation easements, government projects including affordable housing, greenways and park and recreation land use purchases. Experience offering legal guidance on real estate purchases, sales, leases, and development projects, including interpreting laws and regulations related to property.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of:

North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure Real estate law and real estate and land use transactions specifically focused on North Carolina government real estate transactions Government acquisition and disposition procedures Rules of evidence, civil procedures, and appellate procedures Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations General rules of court Criminal law principles Research methods Current case law and court decisions Mediation techniques

Skills:

Ensure appropriate approvals and due diligence are in place before real estate transactions are executed Manage statutory compliance with any transaction Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate Talking to others to convey information effectively Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

Abilities:

Building Strategic Work Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals Building Trust: Interacting with others in way that instills confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences Formal Presentations: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience Negotiation: Effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties

Computer Skills: Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement: This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.