Real Estate Attorney

Description of position: Costco Wholesale seeks an experienced real estate attorney to join the legal team at its corporate headquarters in Issaquah, Washington. Costco is one of the world’s top retailers, with over 145 million cardholders and 939 warehouses and continues to expand globally. This role will be responsible for supporting Costco’s real estate team to develop new warehouses, distribution centers and logistics facilities, primarily in the U.S. but potentially abroad. This attorney will supervise outside counsel and other advisors on real estate transactions and related litigation.  

The candidate must be comfortable operating in a team environment with confidence in his or her judgments and demonstrate an ability to communicate with senior management in a concise and effective way. Individuals who thrive at Costco are self-starters who drive results through collaboration, critical thinking, willingness to grow in their career, pragmatism and strong communication skills. This position is an “in the office” (not remote work) position.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for working with the team on the full real estate development cycle, including negotiating and drafting of all real estate transaction documents. Examples include: letters of intent; purchase agreements; ground leases; build-to-suit leases; reciprocal easement and operating agreements; municipal incentive and entitlement agreements; development agreements; access and utility easements; and construction documents.
• Provide legal advice and business judgment on real estate transaction and development issues.
• Collaborate with outside counsel, brokers, development team, architects, engineers, consultants and construction team on real estate transactions and the development of properties.
• Monitor, manage, and review work and expenditures by outside counsel to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness of legal services.
• Develop, draft and maintain real estate form agreements.
• Drive compliance efforts on real estate operational issues.
• Support the Legal Real Estate Management group on real estate matters and disputes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school required.
• Admission in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. state, and eligible to practice as in-house counsel in the State of Washington. 
• At least eight years of relevant real estate development experience acquired in a law firm or an in-house legal department, with some in-house experience preferred.
• Thorough understanding of and experience in commercial real estate law, with prior retail development experience preferred. Land use and environmental experience are desirable.
• Excellent business judgment and ability to assess legal risk while providing practical, business-oriented advice. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a diverse, complex and full workload while maintaining priorities and proactively anticipating issues and providing solutions.
• Exceptional written and oral communication, drafting and analytical skills for working with lawyers and non-lawyers.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Strong execution and project-management skills and ability to develop consensus among stakeholders from across the organization.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Salary and Benefits: The annual base salary range for this position is $145,000 to $185,000 depending upon years of legal experience. The total compensation package includes an annual grant of restricted stock units (RSUs) and an annual bonus (based on company and individual performance). The combined value of the bonus and the RSUs is expected to exceed the base salary. Attorneys are eligible to participate in the executive deferred compensation plan, with a matching contribution from Costco, and receive other executive benefits.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time‑off, health benefits (medical/ dental/ vision/ hearing aid/ pharmacy/ behavioral health/ employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan), commuter benefits, short-term and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance and 401(k).

At Costco, you will build a long career in a renowned culture, where the company is committed to taking care of its employees, members, and suppliers. You will be empowered to independently drive results within your area of responsibility and you will feel good about what you are helping to build. 

Costco Wholesale is an equal-opportunity employer and strives to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds and making all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.