Associate General Counsel - Law Leasing

Location

GGP Chicago - 350 N Orleans Street, Suite 300

Business

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, GGP is a leading retail real estate company with a portfolio of 95+ high-performing retail assets, encompassing over 95 million square feet of space across the United States. As an owner-operator, we’re committed to creating vibrant destinations that bring people and brands together. With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we’re shaping the future of the industry by delivering exceptional value to our partners and the communities we serve

If you’re ready to be a part of our team, we encourage you to apply.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Associate General Counsel will proactively provide legal counsel and strategic guidance on a wide range of contractual matters impacting the Company's operations and business activities. As a key member of the legal department, this role supports diverse internal clients by delivering practical, business-oriented legal advice across multiple facets of the Company’s real estate and corporate functions. This is an exceptional opportunity to engage in sophisticated corporate and transactional law within a collegial and dynamic team environment.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, draft, and review a wide range of real estate documents – including retail leases, big box development leases, office leases, subleases, lease amendments, termination agreements, construction exhibits and related lease documentation – to ensure clarity, legal soundness, and terms favorable for the Company.

• Prepare and evaluate ancillary real estate agreements such as letters of intent, licenses, easement agreements, term commencement agreements, memoranda of lease, waivers of exclusives, lien release agreements, reciprocal access agreements, letters of credit, title reports, declarations of conditions, covenants and restrictions.

• Analyze and address legal and contractual matters affecting shopping center tenants’ use and operation.

• Ensure all agreements and contractual arrangements entered into on behalf of the Company comply with applicable corporate approvals.

• Review existing leases, department store agreements, and Reciprocal Easement Agreements (REA’s) to provide legal guidance on development and redevelopment plans and their impact on contractual obligations.

• Advise internal stakeholders on the legal implications of proposed transactions and strategic initiatives.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with tenants, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams through effective communication and collaboration.

• Works under limited supervision and exercises independent judgement within established guidelines across all aspects of the role.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications          

• J.D. from a leading law school with proven academic success.

• Current license to practice law in any U.S. state or jurisdiction.

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant, substantive legal experience within the corporate, contracts or litigation group of a major law firm preferred.

• Experience with joint ventures, information technology, design/construction, energy, procurement and/or REITs is a plus.

• Outstanding client management skills with an ability to inspire confidence and trust within a variety of clients.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with people at all levels by virtue of professional competence, personal integrity and personal style.

• Demonstrated flexibility and strong analytic skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and solve complex problems.

• Proven success in managing multiple tasks and priorities.

• Dedication and commitment to practicing law in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.

Compensation

• Salary type: Exempt 

• Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly

• Annual Base Salary Range: $155,000 - $230,000 

• Annual Bonus: 30%

Benefit Information

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, Dental and Vision beginning day 1
• 401(k) Company matching
• 401(k) Vests on Day 1
• Career development programs
• Charitable donation matching
• Generous paid time off (i.e., vacation, personal holidays, paid sick time)
• Paid Volunteer Hours
• Paid Parental Leave
• Family planning assistance including IVF, surrogacy, and adoption options
• Wellness and mental health resources
• Pet insurance offering
• Childcare Assistance
• Commuter benefits
• A culture on our values of Act with Integrity, Build Mutual Trust, Take Initiative and Win Together.

We are proud to create a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are grateful for your interest in this position, however, only candidates selected for pre-screening will be contacted.

#GGP