Real Estate Attorney

Senior Land Use Attorney – Help Shape the Future of the Pacific Northwest Direct Counsel is partnering with an esteemed, full-service Seattle law firm known for its long-standing client relationships, multidisciplinary strength, and a culture that feels more like a true professional home than just a workplace. With practice groups spanning land use, real estate, construction, business, corporate finance, litigation, bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights, this firm offers the rare combination of deep expertise and genuine collegiality. If you’re a seasoned land use attorney who loves both the policy and the people—the hearings, the strategy, the negotiations, the puzzle-solving—and you’re energized by the idea of helping communities grow responsibly, this is the place to do career-defining work. Why This Opportunity Stands Out You won’t arrive to an empty desk. You’ll step directly into a robust portfolio of sophisticated matters and clients who value thoughtful advocacy, practical guidance, and long-term partnership. You’ll also have a meaningful runway to expand your own practice—whether you bring a partial book or simply strong relationships and reputation. Here, collaboration isn’t a buzzword. Partners invest, colleagues support, and leadership truly listens. It’s a firm where senior attorneys still roll up their sleeves, and where your voice will shape both client outcomes and the firm’s future. What You’ll Do In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of some of the most impactful land use and development matters in the Pacific Northwest: Advocate before hearing examiners, planning commissions, city and county councils, administrative bodies, and courts. Draft and oversee top-tier briefs, due diligence analyses, and client advisory memoranda. Guide clients through every phase of land use due diligence and permitting—spotting opportunities, mitigating risks, and setting a strategy that advances real-world development goals. Partner strategically with government planners, department leaders, and elected officials to move projects forward. Draft and revise municipal code provisions and shepherd them through the amendment process. Mentor and supervise junior attorneys and legal support staff, contributing to the firm’s culture of growth and excellence. What You Bring JD from an accredited law school with Active WA bar license in good standing. 8+ years of land use experience in the Pacific Northwest—deep familiarity with regional regulations, trends, and stakeholders. Exceptional writing, analytical reasoning, and communication skills. Strong client-development instincts and the ability to maintain trusted, long-term relationships. A collaborative approach, paired with the confidence to lead independently. Compensation & Benefits The base salary range for this senior-level role is $175,000 – $250,000 , with flexibility to tailor the full compensation package to the right attorney. Discussions may include: Higher base compensation Annual performance bonuses Partnership track consideration Custom structures aligned to your practice and career goals The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits suite: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, 401(k), paid vacation and sick leave, and commuter benefits. Ready to Shape Seattle’s Landscape—Literally and Professionally? If you’re energized by complex land use challenges, big-picture strategy, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the fabric of communities, this firm offers an ideal platform. Apply confidentially by sending your resume to sagan@directcounsel.net