Full-time Assistant General Counsel, Real Estate, Public Storage

01Company Description

Since opening our first self-storage facility in 1972, Public Storage has grown to become the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the world. With thousands of locations across the U.S. and Europe, and more than 170 million net rentable square feet of real estate, we're also one of the largest landlords.

We've been recognized as A Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute. And, our employees have also voted us as having Best Career Growth, ranked us in the Top 5% for Work Culture, and in the Top 10% for Diversity and Inclusion.

We're a member of the S&P 500 and FT Global 500. Our common and preferred stocks trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Public Storage is the nation’s leading self-storage provider, recognized for its iconic orange doors and commitment to delivering simple, reliable solutions to millions of customers across the country. We are expanding our creative team to enhance our consistent and engaging visual brand presence.

02Job Description

Description and Key Responsibilities

The Assistant General Counsel (Real Estate) will partner with and share key responsibilities across the real estate legal team members and other internal and external stakeholders to manage matters related to the company’s real estate activities, with a primary focus on real estate transactions. This role will also work in development, construction, commercial leasing and other general real estate functions. This role requires strong hands-on legal skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Key responsibilities will include:

Manage real estate acquisitions for storage facility and development deals, including: (a) negotiate purchase and sale agreements from letter of intent through execution, (b) perform and supervise due diligence activities, including title, survey, zoning, and environmental diligence, (c) develop and implement practical solutions to issues raised during due diligence in consultation with the business team, (d) oversee the closing process, and (e) work with the relevant business teams to assist in the transition of property ownership and management. Must be able to handle large volume of single site and large portfolio deals at same time.

Prepare and negotiate a wide range of real estate documents (purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, development agreements, hold-back agreements, easements, CC&Rs, construction contracts, leases, access agreements, subordination and non-disturbance agreements, vendor and service provider contracts, etc.)

Partner with the development team on all development activities, including: (a) land acquisitions, new development and redevelopment, (b) development joint ventures, (c) due diligence, (b) document review and negotiation, (c) entitlement processes, (d) land use issues and disputes, and (e) construction, design and permitting matters

Partner with the commercial leasing team on cell tower, wireless, billboard, retail, solar, battery and ground leasing activities

Build, develop and mentor internal and external teams to prepare the company for high growth

Manage and resolve real estate issues arising from the ownership and operation of our facilities, including (a) neighbor questions/disputes about property boundaries, (b) shared drainage and maintenance issues; (c) access and easement issues; and (d) other general real estate matters

Work with state and local agencies, utility companies and other governmental or quasi-governmental bodies to evaluate and resolve condemnation claims and easement requests

03Manage routine environmental matters affecting the company

• Manage and oversee the efficient use of outside counsel in connection with the foregoing activities
• Track, manage and analyze internal data on legal spend; design and implement measures to control and reduce costs
• Evaluate and implement technology tools for efficient management of legal activities; forward focus on potential use of AI to assist with high volume activities

Monthly, quarterly and annual reporting to senior management regarding team activity, team results and outside counsel spend; create and present materials and reports using PowerPoint and similar tools

04Qualifications

Qualifications

Strong academic credentials and 12+ years of combined relevant law firm and in-house experience; real estate and transaction focused in-house experience required

Business-minded real estate lawyer, a strong and decisive negotiator

Efficient multi-tasker with strong organizational skills who works well under pressure

Experience in a high-volume, fast paced transaction environment is required

Experience with national footprint, multiple jurisdictions and large portfolio transactions is highly desired

Current member in good standing with a state Bar and ability to secure a registered in-house counsel license in Texas is required

Experience working collaboratively with legal and business teams; prior mentoring or supervisory experience is a plus.

05Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

• Superior subject-matter expertise in all areas of real estate with keen focus on transactions and development
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage internal and external support (attorneys, paralegals, consultants, etc.)
• High level of discretion, maturity and ethical integrity
• Process-minded - respect for existing processes but always with an eye toward identifying efficiencies and refinements
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate across business units
• Results-oriented
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational needs and business environments
• Proficiency in technology tools, including AI, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and legal billing software
• Additional Information
• Workplace

One of our values pillars is to work as One Team and we believe that there is no replacement for in-person collaboration but understand the value of some flexibility. Public Storage teammates are expected to work in the office five days each week with the option to take up to three flexible remote days per month.

Public Storage is an equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.