Associate Legal Officer - Real Estate

Join MD Anderson Cancer Center and play a critical role in advancing one of the world's leading cancer centers through high-impact legal work. As an Associate Legal Officer within our Legal Services Department, you will serve as a key advisor on complex real estate transactions, leading the negotiation of agreements and supporting the full lifecycle of property acquisitions and dispositions-including the purchase and sale of unimproved and improved land that directly supports our mission to end cancer.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a highly visible, in-house legal role where your work has tangible, organization-wide impact. You'll partner closely with senior leadership, Facilities Management, and Supply Chain teams while managing your own portfolio of real estate matters from initial diligence through negotiation and closing. Unlike traditional law firm environments, this role offers the ability to take ownership of deals, influence strategy, and see transactions through to completion in a collaborative, mission-driven setting.

At MD Anderson, we are committed to supporting our employees just as strongly as we support our patients. We offer a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Paid medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday leave
  • Robust retirement plans, including pension and savings options
  • Work-life balance in a supportive, team-oriented environment
  • Professional development and continuing education opportunities

If you're looking to leverage your legal expertise in real estate transactions while making a meaningful impact within a nationally recognized institution, this is an opportunity to grow your career in a way that extends far beyond traditional legal practice.

This position also provides advanced administrative support to the Senior Legal Officer, which includes preparing lengthy contracts for execution, preparing summaries and presentations, research projects, utilizing independent judgment, initiative, high-level organizational skills, and the ability to make decisions relative to efficient office operation.

**The ideal candidate will have prior experience negotiating real estate contracts along with experience closing on the purchase or sale of unimproved or improved land. This position is fully remote (within Texas only) with occasional onsite meetings required, as needed.**

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Legal Professional
  1. Serves as a business transactions attorney within the Legal Services Department assigned to the General Business Section, with an emphasis on real estate transactions and advice. Maintains an independent caseload of contracts and projects; communicates directly with institutional departments to provide updates, seek clarification, and deliver results. Reviews diligence materials and provides analysis with recommended course of action, as applicable. Manages team projects and handles client matters as they arise. Develops agendas, checklists, timelines, and action items; follows up on status to ensure deadlines are met.
  2. Serves as a resource to the Facilities Management Division (specifically including their real estate function) and the Supply Chain Management Department and assists other departments, as required.
  3. Performs all functions of a legal professional employed as in-house counsel as directed by the Senior Legal Officer, Managing Legal Officer - General Business, the Chief Legal Officer, and the Senior Vice President - Regulatory Affairs, including communications with clients and preparation and negotiation, as applicable, of legal opinions, memoranda, documents, reports, and agreements. Conducts legal research, as necessary. Provides recommendations and proposes revisions to documents. Summarizes issues succinctly, verbally and in writing.
  4. Drafts, revises, and reviews standard and nonstandard contracts and assures that contractual language complies with applicable state and federal laws, UT System and Board of Regents' Rules, and institutional standards and policies. Ensures that contracts are approved and executed in accordance with MD Anderson, UT System, and Board of Regents' requirements.
  5. Assists with the review of institutional policies and procedures, as required.
  6. Assists in the development, preparation, and delivery of training programs for MD Anderson's workforce regarding contract processes, drafting and negotiating favorable contract terms, institutional policies, and other pertinent issues.
  7. Responds to requests from MD Anderson leadership, hospital management, and staff related to contracts and agreements, providing answers consistent with state/federal law and institutional policies in a timely manner.
  8. Represents MD Anderson as legal counsel in contract negotiations and meetings.
  9. Works with outside counsel, as necessary, for assigned matters.
  10. Works, as requested or necessary, with MD Anderson workforce members, including Senior Legal Officers, UT System Office of General Counsel attorneys, Real Estate Office personnel, and attorneys from private sector and government agencies, maintaining professional relationships across these groups.
  11. Assists the Human Resources Department with respect to Clery Act matters for leased properties.
  12. Prepares periodic reports on contracts and other assigned projects for senior management and UT System.
  13. Actively participates in Legal Services team and departmental meetings, providing feedback on problems and proposing resolutions. Attends in-person meetings, as required.
  14. Maintains up-to-date personal metrics to track and monitor contract/project workloads in a quantified manner. Submits periodic reports to support collaboration, information transfer, and data-driven decision-making.

Legal Resource
  1. Utilizes Legal Services electronic file management systems (e.g., Total Contract Manager and NetDocuments) to manage the lifecycle of contracts from initiation through negotiation, approval, and execution. Uploads executed documents and relevant materials. Monitors contract performance and critical dates (e.g., expirations, renewals), and follows up on post-closing requirements. Retrieves contract data as requested.
  2. Coordinates the preparation of assigned special projects to ensure completion and timely presentation.
  3. May assist with Public Information Act requests, as needed.
  4. Projects a confident, positive attitude regarding the Legal Services Department in all communications. Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills and fosters a collaborative work environment.
  5. Routinely collaborates with MD Anderson leadership, healthcare providers, and administrative staff to provide legal advice and counsel.
  6. Maintains professional licensure and continuing education requirements and stays current on legal matters related to general business and real estate law.
  7. Provides institutional support and serves on MD Anderson committees, as requested.
  8. Prepares, reviews, and/or revises consent agenda entries to obtain approval from the UT System Board of Regents.
  9. Performs other duties, as necessary, to support the Legal Services Department in delivering timely and effective legal services.

Other

Performs other duties as assigned and required.

Education

Required:
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Economics, or a related field
• Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Preferred:
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) with successful completion of law or graduate school courses in Business, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Law and Policy, or Intellectual Policy

Work Experience

Required:
• 2 years of legal experience in a law firm or healthcare organization

Preferred:
• 4 years of legal experience involving business transactions, intellectual property, or healthcare

Licenses and Certifications

Required:
• LAW - Licensed to practice law: State Bar of Texas (within 1 Year)

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information
  • Requisition ID: 180517
  • Employment Status: Full-Time
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Work Week: Days
  • Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 123,000
  • Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 154,000
  • Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 185,000
  • FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
  • Fund Type: Hard
  • Work Location: Remote
  • Pivotal Position: Yes
  • Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
  • Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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