Senior Counsel, Real Estate

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Job description

Sonder is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-powered service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamlessly managed experience. Officially launched in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder is making a world of better stays open to all with a variety of accommodation options - from rooms to suites and apartments - found in more than 30 cities spanning eight countries and three continents. Sonder's innovative app empowers guests by making self-service features and 24/7 on-the-ground support just a tap away. From simple self check-in to boutique bathroom amenities, we bring the best of a hotel without any of the formality.

Sonder's legal department supports every aspect of Sonder and its domestic and international growth. The Sonder legal team partners with its business colleagues to help transform the future of hospitality. If you are a self-confident and entrepreneurial legal professional unafraid of extreme professional growth and challenges, and are looking for an immediate impact and responsibility, we welcome your application. We only hire the best legal professionals and then get out of the way so they can execute.

We're looking for multiple mid and senior-level real estate attorneys to help us grow and manage our extensive real estate portfolio. The real estate attorneys will be responsible for lease transactions from LOI to execution, and support real estate matters for our operating properties, including drafting and negotiating leases and amendments, counseling city teams on managing relationships with landlords, preparing NDA's, SNDA's and estoppels, and handling day to day real estate matters that arise from our leases. The attorneys will have the humility and maturity to ask questions, and the confidence to negotiate complex lease agreements against sophisticated opposing counsel. Significant experience in real estate leasing is absolutely necessary, and hospitality/leisure experience is preferred.

AT SONDER YOU WILL:

* Work with Sonder business partners to support the acquisition of legal rights and operation of premises across North America.
* Draft, review, and negotiate various real estate agreements across a large domestic portfolio.
* Collaborate with business partners to ensure that all legal related work undertaken is in alignment with the company's overall mission, messaging and strategy.
* Maintain and manage legal templates and processes.
* Provide advice and guidance regarding risk management and dispute resolution issues related to real estate transactions.
* Proactively identify opportunities for internal process improvements and implement them.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

* J.D. (or local equivalent) from top-tier law school
* Top-tier law firm training
* Evidence of exceptional ability
* Admission to local state bar or ability to register as in-house counsel
* Minimum 8 years of legal experience as a commercial real estate attorney, preferably with the majority of that experience handling complex and routine commercial leasing and related matters.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
* Strong drafting and analytical skills
* Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
* Enthusiastic and proactive attitude with the ability to identify gaps and willingness to step in where needed
* Ability to work independently as well as on teams with diverse personalities and skill levels
* A creative problem solver who is open to new ideas and new approaches
* Proven track record of learning quickly, taking initiative, working proactively and being resourceful
* Experience with or strong excitement for a startup environment
* Experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly desired: restaurant and other F&B leasing; experience supporting the management of residential properties (developing policies and procedures around non-payment and holdover issues).

We also have great benefits to make your life easier so you can focus on what you're best at:

* Competitive salary
* Generous stock option plan
* Medical, dental and vision insurance
* Unlimited vacation
* Annual free credits and discounts to stay in Sonders
* A company with a huge vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, ambitious and fun to work with colleagues!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status or other protected classes.