Job Description
Job Description
Real Estate Attorney – Grand Rapids, MI
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Type: Full-Time, Hybrid after 6 months
Compensation: Salary + bonus + production-based compensation model (first-year typical range ~ $135,000+ depending on portable book; shareholder-track structure available)
Schedule: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM with flexibility
About the Opportunity
A well-established Michigan law firm is seeking an experienced Real Estate Attorney to join its Grand Rapids office. This is an ideal role for attorneys from small to mid-sized firms who are ready for a faster path to shareholder, stronger production-based earnings, and a more supportive business structure than many traditional firms offer.
The firm offers a highly competitive benefits package, hybrid work after six months (T/W/Th in office), and a production model designed to reward attorneys who want autonomy, strong earning upside, and a path to ownership.
Senior-level candidates with a portable book of business receive a shareholder compensation structure with 33% production plus 10% origination, totaling 43% where they both originate and work the matter. Reasonable salary draws are negotiated based on existing business, and senior candidates will meet with general counsel (under confidentiality) to verify transferrable business.
The firm had its best year ever last year, is growing strategically, and is focused on bringing in strong talent who want meaningful progression—not AM Law 100/200 culture or compensation structures.
What You’ll Do
● Handle a wide range of real estate matters, from simple to sophisticated
● Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, leases, construction contracts, financing documentation, development documents, and related real estate instruments
● Address title, zoning, land use, utilities, environmental, and tax issues
● Represent clients before municipal and administrative bodies
● Manage and grow client relationships, including taking over an existing ramp-up portfolio
● Collaborate across internal practice groups to service clients efficiently
● Engage in business development with support from marketing and leadership
● Mentor junior attorneys depending on seniority level
● Maintain high levels of professionalism, client service, and communication
What You Bring
● 7+ years of real estate law experience
● Strong transactional experience; litigation exposure a plus
● Michigan Bar admission (or ability to waive in)
● Experience managing client matters independently
● Portable book of business preferred (amount flexible depending on level)
● Strong writing, research, and communication skills
● Ability to handle deadlines, manage a busy workload, and work both independently and collaboratively
Interview Process
● Two-step process:
1. Initial meeting with hiring manager
2. Second round with EC and senior leadership (Zoom + in-person)
● Senior candidates with a claimed book of business will sign a confidentiality agreement and meet with general counsel to verify portability
● Candidate receives list of interviewers in advance
Want to Stand Out?
We invite candidates to record a short video introduction to share more about their background and practice approach before interviews.
Video submission link:
https://record.interview.video/j/ascend-with-k2