Job Description

Description of position: Costco Wholesale is seeking an experienced real estate attorney to join the legal team. The successful candidate will work either at Costco’s corporate headquarters in Issaquah, Washington, or its East coast regional offices in Sterling, Virginia. Costco is one of the world’s top retailers, with over 127 million cardholders and 897 warehouses in 14 countries/regions, and continues to expand globally. This attorney will work closely with Costco’s real estate team and senior management across multiple time zones and countries to develop new warehouses in the Asia region. They will supervise outside counsel and other advisors on real-estate transactions and related litigation, and must be comfortable operating in a team environment. They must have confidence in their judgment, and demonstrate an ability to communicate with senior management in a concise and effective way. This position is an “in the office” (not remote work) position, and requires travel to Asia, including, but not limited to, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China, multiple times per calendar year. Typically, the duration of each trip is approximately one week. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal support to Costco's US and Asia-based real estate team on the full real estate development cycle, including negotiating and drafting all real-estate transaction documents, including letters of intent, purchase agreements, ground leases, build-to-suit leases, reciprocal easement and operating agreements, government incentive and entitlement agreements, development agreements, access and utility easements, and construction documents.
• Provide legal advice and practical business guidance to Costco's real estate team.
• Communicate legal risk related to real estate deals to Costco's senior management.
• Collaborate with Costco’s outside counsel, brokers, development team, architects, engineers, consultants, construction team, and various internal departments at Costco.
• Monitor, manage, and review agreements and other documentation and analyses prepared by outside counsel and all legal expenditures incurred to ensure quality and efficacy of legal services.
• Develop, draft and maintain real estate form agreements.
• Drive compliance on real estate issues and anti-bribery efforts.
• Support property management efforts and real estate related litigation as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. state, and eligible to practice as in-house counsel in the State of Washington.
• At least 10 years of relevant legal experience in real estate development acquired in a law firm or an in-house legal department, with significant international real estate experience preferred.
• Thorough understanding of and experience in commercial real estate law, with prior retail development experience preferred. 
• Excellent business judgment and ability to assess legal risk while providing practical, business-oriented advice. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a diverse, complex, and full workload while maintaining priorities, anticipating issues, and providing solutions.
• Exceptional communication, drafting, and analytical skills applicable to legal and non-legal contexts.
• Experience overseeing outside counsel.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, with experience working across time zones and cultures preferred.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to develop consensus among diverse stakeholders to achieve objectives.
• Japanese, Korean, and/or Chinese language skills preferred but not required.

Salary and Benefits:

The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $185,000 depending upon years of legal experience. In addition to annual base salary, the total compensation package includes an annual grant of restricted stock units ("RSUs") and an annual bonus (based on company and individual performance). The combined value of the bonus and the RSUs is expected to exceed the base salary. Attorneys are eligible to participate in the executive deferred compensation plan with a matching contribution from Costco, and receive other executive benefits. We also offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits (medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance), health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, commuter benefits, short-term and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, and 401(k).

At Costco, you have the opportunity to build a long career in a renowned culture where the company is committed to taking care of its employees. You are empowered to independently drive results within your area of responsibility and to be a part of building Costco's future. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume through LinkedIn or to hmattsen@costco.com.

Costco Wholesale is an equal-opportunity employer and strives to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are also committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds and making all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.

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