Senior Counsel, Real Estate

Walker & Dunlop · Calabasas · $200,000–$220,000 (stated in the posting)

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Department:

We are Walker & Dunlop.  We are one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, enabling real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities — where people live, work, shop, and play — to life. We are committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in our communities.

Department Overview

The Legal department provides support for issues relating to all corporate policies, compliance, risk, contracts, litigation, and more. 

The Impact You Will Have

Walker & Dunlop is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Counsel to serve as a key legal advisor on complex real estate transactions, with a primary focus on affordable housing investments. In this role, you will represent the company in its capacity as a joint venture partner, advising on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of partnerships with affordable housing developers. You will support transactions across the full investment lifecycle—from acquisition and development through stabilization and disposition—while proactively identifying and mitigating legal and business risks. You will work closely with the Affordable Equity and Affordable Development teams, providing strategic, solutions-oriented legal advice that drives successful outcomes and supports the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the legal structuring, negotiation, and execution of joint venture agreements with affordable housing developers, including operating agreements and related governance documents
• Advise internal stakeholders on partnership economics, control rights, capital structures, and exit strategies
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, property management agreements, and other real estate transaction documents
• Provide legal support across the full lifecycle of investments, including acquisition, financing, development, leasing, stabilization, and disposition
• Collaborate with business teams to structure and negotiate equity and debt financing arrangements, including LIHTC equity, tax-exempt bonds, and conventional financing
• Oversee and conduct real estate due diligence, including title, survey, zoning, regulatory compliance, and development risk analysis
• Collaborate with external counsel, developers, lenders, and investors to negotiate terms and resolve complex legal issues
• Advise on asset management and operational matters, including partnership amendments, restructurings, and investor or partner exits
• Serve as a primary legal point of contact for assigned transactions and business teams
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing legal function
• Support the Divisional General Counsel on broader legal initiatives and priorities
• Other duties as assigned
• Attendance is generally required from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm local time, Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.
• Ability to work PST hours on a consistent basis.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution
• Active bar admission in good standing  to at least one U.S. state bar
• 10+ years of experience in real estate law, with significant transactional experience at a law firm and/or in-house
• Demonstrated experience leading and negotiating joint venture agreements and complex real estate transactions
• Experience in affordable housing, LIHTC transactions, and real estate finance strongly preferred
• Experience advising developers, sponsors, or equity partners is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of joint venture structures, partnership economics, and real estate transaction frameworks
• Working knowledge of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (Section 42), tax-exempt bonds, and affordable housing regulations
• Strong ability to identify legal risks and develop practical, business-oriented solutions
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
• Proven ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for business stakeholders
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to mentorship and team development
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders
• Embodiment of the Walker Way in approach to work: caring, collaborative, tenacious, driven, and insightful

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This position has an estimated base salary of $200,000 - $220,000  plus a discretionary bonus. An employment offer is based on the applicant’s relevant work experience, applicable knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

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What We Offer  

• The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine’s Great Places to Work winners

• Comprehensive benefit options* that have earned Walker & Dunlop the gold level of the 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™, some of which include:

  • Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
  • Competitive dental and vision benefits
  • 401(k) + match
  • Pre-tax transit and commuting benefits
  • A robust health and wellness program – earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that

  promote health, engagement, and balance

  • Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
  • Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance
  • Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending

• Career development opportunities 

• Empowerment and encouragement to give back – volunteer hours and donation matching 

 
*Eligibility may vary based on average number of hours worked 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to equity in all steps of the recruitment and employment experience. We believe in equal access to opportunities in our workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, veteran or military status, and genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to be a safe place to ask questions, build professional relationships, and develop careers.

SPAM
Please be wary of recruitment scams. An indication of a scam might be a request for sensitive or bank information at the time of application or emails coming from a non walkerdunlop.com email address. Please call us at 301.215.5500, if you have any concerns about information requested during or after the application process.

Fair Chance Hiring

Background checks, including any questions related to infractions, arrests, or conviction records, will not be conducted until after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. We will consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of arrest and conviction records, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

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