Real Estate, Development and Commercial Leasing Associate

Position: Associate, Real Estate, Development and Commercial Leasing (5+ years)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Company: SKS Law LLP

SKS Law LLP is seeking a 5+ year associate to join our Ottawa office, with a focus on real estate, development, and commercial leasing. This role is ideal for a practical, business-minded lawyer who enjoys working closely with owners, developers, landlords, tenants, lenders, and other real estate clients on sophisticated transactions and advisory matters, while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Manage real estate, development, and commercial leasing matters from initial assessment through closing or completion, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, due diligence, title and off-title review, development approvals support, lease drafting and negotiation, and related transaction documents.
• Provide strategic, practical advice to clients on real estate risk, development issues, leasing strategy, transaction structure, and closing requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements of purchase and sale, commercial leases, development agreements, financing documents, easements, closing documents, and other real estate-related instruments.
• Coordinate with clients, opposing counsel, municipal authorities, lenders, title insurers, surveyors, and other transaction participants, as appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive, practical, and business-minded real estate and leasing service.
• Work closely with colleagues across the firm to deliver practical, coordinated advice on real estate, development, leasing, financing, corporate, and dispute-related issues.
• Collaborate with lawyers, students and legal support staff, providing guidance and support on transaction workflow, due diligence, closing processes, and leasing matters where appropriate and contributing to a collegial team environment.
• Contribute to real estate, development, and commercial leasing practice development and client growth initiatives, where appropriate.

Qualifications

• LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum 5 years of real estate law experience, ideally with significant exposure to development work and commercial leasing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex real estate transactions, development matters, and commercial leasing files with a high degree of independence.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, transaction management, client communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and client relationship skills.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced real estate and leasing practice.
• Experience supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a collaborative practice is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required; French-English bilingualism is an asset.

What We Offer

• Compensation range: starting at $120,000, commensurate with experience, together with benefits and eligibility for a discretionary bonus.
• Meaningful file responsibility, direct client contact, and opportunities to manage sophisticated real estate, development, and commercial leasing matters.
• Collaboration with experienced real estate and business law counsel and practical support for lateral integration.
• A collegial, supportive, and collaborative team culture.
• Opportunities for practice development, long-term growth, and leadership within a respected Ottawa real estate, development, and commercial leasing practice.

How to Apply

This posting is for an existing vacancy. SKS Law LLP does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. Third-party job boards or application platforms may, however, use artificial intelligence tools as part of their own processes.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and optional deal sheet or representative transaction list to ***email_hidden*** . Please include "Real Estate, Development and Commercial Leasing Associate Application" in the email subject line. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

SKS Law LLP is committed to a respectful, inclusive, and accessible recruitment process. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Note: All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.