Sr. Attorney, Real Estate

Forterra innovates and scales land-based solutions to address the climate crisis and support
equitable, green and prosperous communities. Forterra envisions people and nature thriving together in a place where everyone belongs. Forterra seeks to contribute to improved community health and sustainability outcomes through how real estate is owned, developed and managed, including for communities who have been marginalized from ownership of land.  

Summary 

We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced attorney specializing in conservation real estate. The Senior
Attorney, Real Estate,
provides legal services on complex real estate matters to advance Forterra's strategic priorities and manage risk for assigned programs and ensure that transactions and activities are legally sound and consistent with the Forterra’s values, mission, policies and procedures. The Senior Attorney will clearly articulate complex legal concepts and options to assigned programs. They will be responsible for providing legal advice and support regarding matters relating to all aspects of Forterra's real estate programs. These include land transactions, including fee simple land and conservation, HOA review, property leases, and stewardship easement acquisitions for real estate matters.  

Responsibilities 

Job responsibilities are stated in broad terms and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing. 

It is expected that this position will be able to exercise independent discretion regarding communication initiatives and strategic positions for Forterra.
This position may have supervisory responsibility for paralegals and may be asked to supervise other attorneys, legal volunteers, and/or outside counsel 

• Provide legal advice and support regarding matters relating to all aspects of Forterra's real estate programs including ongoing property management support for interpreting existing Covenants, Conservation Easements, Land Use Agreements, etc. 

• Review organizational documents and prepare and examine agreements, which may involve government grants, funding agreements, leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, easements, construction and procurement of goods and services 

• Provide advice on complex non-real estate conservation projects; contracts and grants, legal support for the Forterra’s engagements and relationships with corporations, advice regarding
  intellectual property, marketing, tax-exempt law issues and philanthropy 

• Provide legal advice and guidance on regulatory compliance matters 

Qualifications 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university 

• 10+
  years of experience in land use, real estate, or environmental law 

• Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Washington 

• Knowledge of WA state geography and Land Trust Association Standards & Practices  

• Must have knowledge or ability to research applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and executive orders 

• Maintains a professional courteous manner with all clients, agencies, vendors, and fellow employees 

• Must be a self-starter, strong negotiator with excellent organizational skills 

• Must have excellent reading comprehension skills and writing skills 

• Possesses strong decision-making, critical thinking,
  and active listening skills 

• Must be results oriented and able to build a positive work culture 

• Good planning and organizational skills and well-developed interpersonal and communication skills 

Forterra is based in the greater Seattle area and supports a hybrid work environment. We allow primarily remote work, with some in-person meetings . Candidates must successfully pass a background check, show proof of authorization to work in the United States, and reside in Washington state prior to employment. We cannot sponsor applicants requiring work visas. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that certain minority groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Forterra, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role and your experience
doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or for other roles in the future.  

Benefits: Our investment in caring for our employees and their families is a key part of our values and culture at Forterra. We are pleased to provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes total wellness through health care, pre-tax benefits, work-life balance, and financial security. 

Forterra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, race, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.