Overview
A leading developer and operator of data centers with over 750 locations across 45 countries is seeking a Senior Counsel – Data Center Real Estate. This role involves providing strategic legal advice and managing complex real estate transactions that support data center acquisition, leasing, development, financing, and operations. The position requires expertise in real estate law, contract structuring, and transaction design, with a focus on data center infrastructure and long-term asset strategies.
Responsibilities
Transaction Structuring & Deal Architecture
- Lead legal structuring of data center real estate transactions including land acquisitions and dispositions, ground leases, build-to-suit developments, sale-leasebacks, and joint ventures.
- Translate business objectives into legally enforceable frameworks aligning risk allocation, capital deployment, and operational control.
- Design transaction structures considering power availability, utility agreements, zoning, entitlements, land use constraints, phased development, expansion rights, tax, and financing.
Contract Design & Negotiation
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex real estate agreements such as Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSAs), ground leases, data center leases (triple-net, powered shell, wholesale colocation), easements, licenses, access agreements, development agreements, and construction contracts.
- Develop contract frameworks defining risk allocation, performance obligations, milestones, remedies, and termination rights.
- Lead negotiations with developers, landowners, utilities, municipalities, and investors.
Due Diligence & Risk Management
- Oversee comprehensive real estate due diligence including title, survey, encumbrance analysis, environmental assessments (Phase I/II), and land use, zoning, and permitting compliance.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to site control, access, utility dependency, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory issues.
Cross-Functional Deal Execution
- Collaborate with internal teams across real estate, site selection, development, construction, finance, capital markets, operations, and engineering.
- Coordinate external counsel, brokers, and consultants to ensure alignment and efficiency.
- Manage transaction timelines from term sheet through closing and post-closing obligations.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- 8–12+ years of experience in commercial real estate law, preferably involving data center, energy, or infrastructure transactions.
- Experience in large law firms and/or in-house legal departments.
- Proven track record leading complex real estate negotiations and closings.
- Advanced knowledge of commercial real estate law and transaction mechanics.
- Strong skills in contract structuring and legal design.
- Ability to align legal frameworks with business strategy and financial models.
- Excellent negotiation skills in high-value, multi-party transactions.
- Understanding of capital structures, investment vehicles, and return metrics.
- Capability to design scalable and repeatable deal structures.
- Anticipation of long-term operational and expansion needs.
- Risk-adjusted decision-making in complex environments.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary range based on skills, experience, and location.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Full coverage medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Location
This role supports data center operations across North America, Western Europe, and Israel. Specific location details will be provided during the hiring process.