Counsel, Real Estate

Come grow with us! We are One Rayonier, a team that works together to create value by maintaining a strong safety culture, challenging the status quo, giving back to our communities, being innovative, continuously learning and leading the way. After more than 90 years, Rayonier is still uncovering new ways to make lives better with our trees, our land, and — our most important resource — our people.

We strive to create an employee experience that makes you proud to be a part of the Rayonier team. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and collaborative environment where you can be who you are and valued for your unique talents and perspectives. Rayonier is big enough to offer you professional growth and development opportunities, yet small enough for you to know every coworker by name. Come join a team that empowers you to make a difference!

The Counsel, Real Estate, will provide advice and counsel to the real estate business units. Initially, this position’s primary responsibility will be to support the sale of unentitled real estate. Over time, this position will also support the real estate development business unit in entitlements (e.g., zoning and land use changes, permitting, etc.), operational matters (e.g., leasing, service contracts, covenants and restrictions, etc.), and sales of entitled real estate (e.g., to homebuilders and retail/commercial/industrial developers).

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the sale of real estate from Letter of Intent to Closing, including drafting purchase and sale agreements, resolving title issues (e.g., responding to title objections), and managing closings.
• Provide legal support to the Real Estate Development business unit in the formation and operation of large, master-planned communities, by providing advice and counsel regarding entitlements (e.g., land use, permitting, zoning, municipal matters and the comprehensive planning process); platting; contracts for utilities and other infrastructure; covenants and restrictions; matters involving property owners’ associations; commercial leasing; service contracts with vendors that support the development business (e.g., contracts with civil infrastructure builders, planners and engineers, property managers, etc.); and litigation management.
• Assist environmental and real estate personnel on issues relating to land management and real estate development, including wetland delineation, mitigation and permitting.
• Counsel and train management and supervisory personnel on compliance with applicable law, including real estate licensing laws and the Interstate Land Sales Act, and advise same as to the effects of coming changes in law that may affect the businesses.
• Manage outside counsel and other legal consultants (and their budgets).

Required Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. undergraduate degree and J.D. degree from a respected law school with indicia of academic achievement, and admission to the bar of at least one state (Florida, Georgia, Texas, or Washington would be preferred, but not required for hire).
• At least three years of law firm or in-house legal experience supporting real estate purchase and sale and other transactions, land use, entitlement, and development issues, preferably in Florida, Georgia, Texas, or Washington.
• Ability to manage outside counsel and work collaboratively with business teams.
• Work experience prior to attending law school is preferred, especially those who have held prior leadership and management positions.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, be detail oriented, able to prioritize work and multi-task in a busy legal office, meet deadlines, be an excellent communicator (both verbal and written), and be capable of working independently with little direct supervision.
• Strong work ethic, show initiative (i.e., a self-starter), be a team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality within a strictly confidential environment.
• Strong Microsoft Word experience, familiar with Microsoft Excel, and ready, willing and able to learn new or unfamiliar technology resources (e.g., Legal Tracker and Contract Management Software).
• Must be willing to work in the office in Wildlight, Florida, at least 4 days per week.

Rayonier is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment that is drug-free, promotes diversity, and free of discrimination.