Senior Commercial Real Estate Counsel

Harkinson Investment Corporation

Location: Dallas/Addison, Texas

Employment Type: Part-Time, Flexible Schedule (approximately 20 hours per week)

Compensation: $90–$110 per hour, depending on experience

About Us

Harkinson Investment Corporation (HIC) is a privately held commercial real estate investment and management company headquartered in the Dallas area. Founded in 1991, HIC acquires, owns, develops, and manages commercial real estate, with a portfolio encompassing approximately 1.6 million square feet of retail, office, and industrial properties, as well as land held for future development.

As a family-owned company, we take a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to real estate investment and management. Our team works closely across acquisitions, leasing, property management, financing, and development.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Part-Time Senior Commercial Real Estate Counsel to join our team as an in-house attorney. This individual will be responsible for handling a broad range of legal matters associated with the acquisition, ownership, leasing, financing, and management of commercial real estate.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial real estate transactions, excellent drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to work independently and provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.

This is an opportunity for an experienced attorney seeking a meaningful, flexible part-time role with direct involvement in real estate transactions and business decisions. We welcome candidates seeking reduced hours, returning to practice, or transitioning from law firm practice.

Schedule and flexibility: Approximately 20 hours per week, preferably distributed across four or five weekdays to support timely responses to transactions and property matters. Hybrid work is anticipated, with approximately one or two days per week in the Dallas/Addison office; exact arrangements will be agreed with the selected candidate. Additional hours during peak periods may be available by mutual agreement.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Leasing: Draft, review, and negotiate commercial leases, amendments, assignments, renewals, and related agreements for retail, office, and industrial properties.
• Acquisitions and Dispositions: Prepare, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, coordinate legal due diligence, and assist with real estate closings.
• Partnership and Entity Agreements: Draft and negotiate LLC operating agreements, partnership agreements, joint venture agreements, and other documents related to real estate ownership and investment structures.
• Tenant Defaults and Enforcement: Advise on tenant defaults, lease enforcement, notices, settlements, and other landlord-tenant matters. Coordinate with outside litigation counsel when necessary.
• Vendor and Service Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate property management, construction, maintenance, technology, and other vendor agreements.
• General Legal Counsel: Provide ongoing legal advice to company management regarding real estate operations, contractual obligations, risk management, and other business matters.
• Outside Counsel Coordination: Manage outside attorneys on matters requiring specialized expertise or litigation support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Texas, or eligibility to obtain Texas licensure.
• Minimum of 7 years of legal experience, with a substantial focus on commercial real estate.
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating commercial leases and real estate purchase and sale agreements.
• Experience preparing or negotiating partnership agreements, LLC operating agreements, or similar business entity documents.
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple matters and work directly with company executives and property management personnel.
• Practical, business-oriented approach to legal issues.

Preferred:

• 10 or more years of relevant commercial real estate legal experience, preferably 10–15 years.
• Experience representing commercial property owners, developers, or real estate investment companies.
• Familiarity with commercial real estate financing and investment structures.
• Experience with landlord-tenant disputes, lease enforcement, and commercial litigation.
• Prior in-house counsel experience, although candidates from law firms are encouraged to apply.
• Openness to an initial 90-day trial arrangement to confirm workload and mutual fit.

Why Join HIC?

Unlike a traditional law firm position, this role offers the opportunity to work directly with the principals of a privately held real estate company and participate in the full life cycle of commercial real estate investments.

You will work on a diverse portfolio of properties and transactions, with meaningful responsibility and direct involvement in business decisions.

We offer a collaborative, entrepreneurial working environment, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to become an integral part of an established real estate investment company.

Compensation

$90–$110 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Anticipated schedule of approximately 20 hours per week, with potential to increase to 25 hours during busy periods by mutual agreement.

Benefits

Eligibility for health coverage, 401(k) match, paid time off and paid holidays will be determined under applicable plan terms and the agreed part-time schedule.

Harkinson Investment Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.