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# Chief Legal Officer with a Commercial Real Estate Co. – Denver, CO


Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Commercial Real Estate Co. – Denver, CO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, fast-growing commercial real estate investment and development firm based in the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado. We are seeking a strategic, business-oriented, and highly experienced Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a pivotal role for an individual with a profound understanding of the commercial real estate landscape and a track record of providing insightful legal counsel that drives business success.
The Chief Legal Officer will be the principal legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and the senior management team. You will be responsible for overseeing the entirety of the company’s legal affairs, including corporate governance, complex transactions, risk management, compliance, and litigation. This position requires not only exceptional legal expertise but also a high degree of business acumen and the ability to operate as a strategic partner in the company’s growth.
The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader, capable of managing a small in-house legal team and effectively leveraging outside counsel while proactively identifying and mitigating legal risks across the organization. You will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, ensuring its operations are conducted with the highest level of integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic and ambitious organization at the forefront of the Denver real estate market.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Commercial Real Estate Co. – Denver, CO
As the Chief Legal Officer, you will direct and manage the comprehensive legal strategy and operations of the company. Your responsibilities will be broad and integral to every facet of the business:
Strategic Legal Counsel & Executive Partnership

Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic legal advice and guidance on all corporate matters.
Participate in the formulation of the company’s long-term business strategies, providing legal and risk analysis on potential ventures, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
Advise the CEO and Board of Directors on fiduciary duties, corporate governance, and other critical legal and regulatory matters.

Commercial Real Estate Transactions

Lead and manage all legal aspects of the company’s real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, development projects, joint ventures, and financing.
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of complex legal documents, such as purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, development agreements, joint venture agreements, and construction contracts.
Oversee and manage the due diligence process for all transactions, identifying and resolving potential legal issues related to title, survey, zoning, and environmental matters.
Manage all aspects of commercial leasing, including drafting and negotiating lease agreements, amendments, and related documents for a diverse portfolio of properties.

Corporate Governance and Compliance

Establish and maintain best-in-class corporate governance policies and procedures.
Oversee the management of all corporate entities, ensuring they remain in good standing.
Develop, implement, and manage a robust corporate compliance program to ensure the company adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This includes areas such as environmental law, ADA, and employment law.
Monitor changes in the legal and regulatory landscape relevant to the commercial real estate industry and advise the company on necessary adjustments.

Risk Management and Litigation

Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and business risks across all company operations.
Develop and implement risk management strategies, including the oversight of the company’s insurance programs (e.g., D&O, E&O, property, liability).
Manage and oversee all litigation, disputes, and regulatory proceedings, including the selection and management of outside litigation counsel.
Proactively work to resolve disputes before they escalate to litigation, employing negotiation and alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate.

Team Leadership and Department Management

Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing in-house legal team, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and business partnership.
Develop and manage the legal department’s annual budget.
Select, manage, and evaluate all outside counsel, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective legal services. Negotiate fee arrangements and oversee legal spend.

Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Commercial Real Estate Co. – Denver, CO
The successful candidate will be a seasoned legal professional with deep expertise in commercial real estate and a proven ability to lead at an executive level. We are looking for a candidate who meets the following criteria:
Education & Credentials

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Admission to the Colorado State Bar, or the ability to become admitted through reciprocity, is required.
An impeccable academic record and professional reputation.

Professional Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive legal experience, with a significant focus on complex commercial real estate matters.
A combination of experience at a top-tier law firm and in-house legal department is highly preferred. Substantial experience as a partner in a law firm’s real estate practice or as a General Counsel/Deputy General Counsel within a real estate company will be considered.
Demonstrated experience leading all legal aspects of sophisticated real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, development, financing, and leasing across various asset classes (office, industrial, retail, multifamily).
Proven experience in corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.
Experience managing litigation and overseeing outside counsel effectively.

Skills & Competencies
Expert Legal Knowledge
Requires a profound understanding of commercial real estate law and market dynamics. Mastery of contract drafting, negotiation, and transaction management.
Business Acumen
Ability to think like a business owner, providing pragmatic, solutions-oriented legal advice that aligns with the company’s strategic and financial objectives.
Exceptional Leadership
Proven ability to lead and develop a legal team, manage external counsel, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and the board.
Superior Communication Skills
Ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
High Integrity
Unquestionable ethics, integrity, and a commitment to upholding the company’s values.
Strategic Thinker
Ability to anticipate future legal and regulatory challenges and opportunities and develop proactive strategies to address them.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Meaningful equity participation or a similar long-term incentive plan that aligns your success with the company’s growth and profitability.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
Support for continuing legal education (CLE), professional association memberships, and other development opportunities.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate, if necessary.
Work Environment
An opportunity to work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and high-energy environment in the heart of Denver.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive legal and real estate recruitment. We invite you to learn more about our expertise and to submit your application by visiting the JRG Partners’ Real Estate & Construction practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.