Legal Counsel

Job title: Legal Counsel – Real Estate Development Fund (University Master Plan)

Location: Bremen, Germany (On-site)

About Constructor Group   

Founded in 2019 by tech and education entrepreneur Dr. Serg Bell, Constructor Group is a global institution dedicated to revolutionizing education and driving innovation in Machine Intelligence, Quantum Technology, Intelligent Materials, Hybrid Reality, and Life Engineering. Our ecosystem includes Constructor Knowledge, offering education tools and services worldwide; Constructor, a software company delivering advanced tech solutions; and Constructor Capital, providing early-stage funding for science, technology, and digital transformation projects. Backed by a diverse network of academic partners, business leaders, and Nobel laureates, Constructor Group is redefining education and technology for the future.    

Introduction to one of our private equities within Constructor Knowledge: 

We are a private equity fund with an investment focus on campus real estate development (student housing, research labs, lecture halls, canteens, sport facilities, etc) primarily in Germany. We manage full development cycle including planning, attracting financing, design, construction and operations of premises.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Legal Counsel to join our real estate development fund with a focus on a major university master plan development in Bremen, Germany. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in overseeing legal matters related to large-scale real estate projects, specifically the development of a university campus and surrounding areas. In addition to traditional legal functions, the candidate will actively participate in negotiations with local authorities, advise on fund structuring, and support the asset development process.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the legal framework of an ambitious educational and real estate project in Bremen, while navigating complex local regulations, zoning, and land use laws.

Responsibilities: 

1. Legal Support for University Master Plan Development:

• Provide legal counsel throughout the entire lifecycle of the university master plan development, including land issues, zoning, permitting, construction, and leasing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key contracts such as land lease agreements, joint venture agreements, construction contracts, service agreements, and financing documents.
• Ensure compliance with local, regional, and EU regulations in relation to urban planning, land use, environmental regulations, and educational infrastructure.

2. Negotiations with Authorities:

• Lead and/or support negotiations with local authorities and municipal bodies to obtain permits, approvals, and regulatory compliance for the university master plan development.
• Work closely with public sector officials to secure zoning approvals, land use permits, environmental clearances, and other regulatory approvals critical to the project.
• Represent the fund's interests in discussions with stakeholders including the city of Bremen and regulatory authorities to facilitate project approvals.

3. Fund Structuring:

• Provide legal advice on the structuring of a private equity fund for the university master plan project, coordinating work of advisors if needed.
• Draft and review fund formation documents, including private placement memoranda (PPMs), partnership agreements, and investment agreements.
• Advise on the capital structure and financing mechanisms for the fund, including debt and equity financing and tax implications.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to real estate development, public-private partnerships, and education-focused projects in Bremen and Germany.
• Advise on compliance with environmental regulations, building codes, labor laws, and health & safety standards during the development phase.
• Identify legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate risks related to land use, construction, financing, and project delays.

5. Real Estate Development Process:

• Provide ongoing legal support for the development, construction, and leasing of buildings as part of the university master plan, including negotiating development agreements and managing any issues related to land lease and/or acquisition.
• Advise on the selection of contractors, architects, and consultants, reviewing and negotiating agreements for construction, design, and management of the university campus.
• Assist with the procurement process, including the preparation and negotiation of tenders and construction contracts.

6. Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with internal teams, including project managers, financial analysts, and other stakeholders, to align legal strategies with project goals.
• Engage with investors, university representatives, and local authorities to ensure that the development project meets all financial, legal, and operational objectives.
• Advise on investor reporting requirements and ensure proper governance and compliance in the context of public-private partnerships or joint ventures.

7. Legal Risk Management and Dispute Resolution:

• Oversee any disputes or legal claims arising from the project, including construction delays, land use issues, or contractual disputes.
• Work with external counsel as needed to manage litigation or alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Advise on strategies to mitigate legal risks and protect the fund's interests, ensuring smooth project execution.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in Germany (preferably Bremen or Northern Germany).

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in real estate development law, particularly in large-scale projects and infrastructure developments.
• Extensive experience with land acquisition, zoning, permitting, and environmental regulations, specifically in the context of urban planning and public infrastructure.
• Proven track record of negotiating with local government authorities, regulators, and other public-sector entities.
• Experience in fund structuring, including the creation and operation of joint ventures, SPVs, and other investment vehicles.
• Familiarity with the specific legal requirements for education-related developments or public-private partnerships is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex relationships with government authorities, developers, contractors, and investors.
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex real estate contracts, including development, construction, and financing agreements.
• Knowledge of German real estate law, zoning regulations, and environmental laws.
• Ability to provide clear, practical legal advice and manage legal risks in the context of large-scale, multi-party development projects.
• Fluency in both German and English (written and spoken) is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of public-private partnership structures and financing models, particularly in educational infrastructure projects.
• Prior experience with real estate development projects involving universities, government institutions, or public funding.
• Knowledge of European Union real estate and investment regulations and their impact on local developments.

 

This Legal Counsel role offers a unique opportunity to be a key player in the development of a major university master plan in Bremen. The ideal candidate will combine strong legal expertise in real estate law, urban development, and public-sector negotiations with a passion for contributing to the growth of an educational institution and its surrounding infrastructure.