Real Estate Attorney

Location: Durham, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

About IONNA

IONNA is revolutionizing EV charging by delivering the most reliable, driver-centric, and technologically advanced network in North America. Founded by eight of the world’s largest automakers—BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota—IONNA is dedicated to providing EV drivers with the coverage they need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.

The Role

IONNA, a leading joint venture in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, is seeking an experienced real estate attorney to join our dynamic legal team. As we expand our network of high-powered charging stations across North America, we need a skilled professional to navigate the complex legal landscape of real estate and renewable energy.

Key Responsibilities:

Spearhead real estate transactions related to IONNA's EV charging station deployments, including site acquisitions, leases, and easements.
Draft, review, and negotiate complex real estate agreements for the development and operation of EV charging infrastructure.
Advise on zoning, permitting, and compliance issues specific to EV charging stations and associated renewable energy projects.
Conduct thorough due diligence on potential charging station locations, addressing title, environmental, and land use concerns.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop standardized legal documents and processes for rapid network expansion.
Organize and maintain real estate documents within the established processes to facilitate real estate acquisition and management.
Represent IONNA in negotiations with property owners, utilities, and local governments.
Assist in structuring partnerships and joint ventures related to charging infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Who You Are:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active bar admission in relevant state(s).
A minimum of 3 years of experience in real estate law, with a strong focus on commercial leases or title work.
Excellent understanding of easement agreements, CCRs, property association documents and processes.
Strong negotiation skills and ability to close complex real estate transactions efficiently.
Experience with utility easements, interconnection agreements, and power purchase agreements.

Preferred Experience:

Experience litigating title issues or commercial leases

Who You Are

A minimum of 2 years of experience in social media management, community engagement, event marketing, or partnerships (EV industry or automotive experience a plus!).
A digital native who understands social media trends, community-building strategies, and the power of grassroots marketing that is also passionate about creating in-person connections and events.
A self-starter who thrives on building relationships and turning conversations into business opportunities.
Passionate about EVs and the future of mobility - and excited to be part of a company shaping that future.
Comfortable working cross-functionally and collaborating with teams in marketing, product, partnerships, tech, and operations to drive business objectives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content and engage in online discussions authentically.
Experience with social media analytics tools, event planning, and partnership development is a plus.

What We Offer

Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) matching program
Professional development opportunities
Collaborative and innovative work environment

Why IONNA?

Be part of a pioneering venture backed by the world's leading automakers.
Work with state-of-the-art technology that's reshaping the automotive industry.
Contribute directly to a sustainable future powered by renewable energy.
Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your ideas can make a real difference.
Unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and visibility in a rapidly expanding field.

Join the Charge This isn't just a job – it's your chance to be a driving force in the EV revolution, with unparalleled exposure to industry leaders and decision-makers.

Based in Durham, NC, with a hybrid work model, you'll have the flexibility to innovate and the resources to succeed.

Are you ready to electrify your career, gain exceptional visibility, and leave your mark on the future of transportation?

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Ionna does not sponsor employment-based visas, including H-1B transfers, for any positions.

IONNA is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices through a competitive base salary, as well as offering bonus programs, comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, 401(K), and paid holidays. Actual base salaries are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, certifications, and specific work location.

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. IONNA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any legally protected status.

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What are your salary requirements?

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Are you willing to relocate?

Are you authorized to work in the United States?

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B status)?

What is your earliest start date?

How much experience do you have with drafting and negotiating commercial real estate agreements, such as leases, easements, or site acquisition contracts?

A) Extensive experience (5+ years) with complex agreements in a commercial context.

B) Moderate experience (3–5 years) with drafting and negotiating such agreements.

C) Limited experience (1–2 years) with exposure to these types of agreements.

D) No direct experience but willing to learn.

What is your level of familiarity with zoning, permitting, and compliance issues related to infrastructure projects (e.g., EV charging stations or renewable energy projects)?

A) I have extensive experience advising on zoning, permitting, and compliance issues for infrastructure projects.

B) I have moderate experience working on zoning and permitting issues in a real estate context.

C) I have basic knowledge of zoning and permitting but no direct hands-on experience.

D) I have no experience with zoning or permitting issues.

How would you describe your experience conducting due diligence on potential real estate sites?

A) I have significant experience conducting due diligence, including reviewing title, environmental, and land use concerns for multiple projects.

B) I have some experience conducting due diligence but primarily in a supporting role.

C) I have limited exposure to due diligence processes but understand the basics.

D) I have no experience conducting due diligence.

Have you worked on utility easements, interconnection agreements, or power purchase agreements in your legal career?

A) Yes, I have extensive experience drafting and negotiating these types of agreements.

B) Yes, I have some experience with these agreements but not extensively.

C) No, but I am familiar with the concepts and willing to gain hands-on experience.

D) No, I do not have any experience with these agreements.

How would you rate your negotiation skills when working with property owners, utilities, or local governments?

A) Excellent – I am highly skilled at closing complex transactions efficiently and navigating challenging negotiations.

B) Good – I am confident in my negotiation abilities and have successfully closed transactions in the past.

C) Average – I have some negotiation experience but would like to strengthen this skill further.

D) Limited – I have minimal negotiation experience but am eager to develop this skill.

What is your level of familiarity with easement agreements, CCRs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions), and property association documents?

A) Highly experienced – I regularly work with these documents and processes in my current or past roles.

B) Moderately experienced – I occasionally work with these documents as part of my legal responsibilities.

C) Limited experience – I’ve had some exposure but not extensive involvement with these types of documents.

D) No experience – I haven’t worked with these documents before.

Have you ever been involved in structuring partnerships or joint ventures related to real estate or energy projects?

A) Yes, I have significant experience structuring partnerships or joint ventures in a professional setting.

B) Yes, I’ve had some involvement in structuring partnerships or joint ventures as part of a team effort.

C) No direct involvement but familiar with the process conceptually.

D) No involvement at all.

To what extent have you worked cross-functionally to develop standardized legal documents and processes for rapid expansion?

A) Very frequently – I frequently collaborate across teams to streamline legal processes in fast-paced environments.

B) Somewhat frequently– I’ve worked cross-functionally before but not extensively on standardizing legal processes.

C) Moderate experience – I haven’t had much opportunity to do this but believe I could adapt quickly if needed.

D) Minimal experience – This is an area where I would need significant guidance.

Do you have any litigation experience related to title issues or commercial leases?

A) Yes, extensive litigation experience specific to title issues or commercial leases.

B) Yes, some litigation experience in these areas but not extensive.

C) No litigation experience in these areas but familiar with the related legal concepts.

D) No litigation experience at all.

To what extent have you worked with property owners, utilities, or local governments in a legal capacity?

A) Extensively – I have frequently interacted with these entities in negotiations, agreements, and other legal matters.

B) Moderately – I have worked with these groups on several occasions but not as a primary focus of my role.

C) Occasionally – I have had some interactions but they are not a regular part of my job responsibilities.

D) Rarely – I have had very limited or no direct interaction with these entities in a legal context.

E) Not at all – I have no experience working with property owners, utilities, or local governments in a legal capacity.