The Firm
Drawing on diverse backgrounds ranging from national corporate law firms to executive management, our team of legal professionals offer a broad scope of experience in the practice of law for business owners, property owners, developers and corporate entities in Florida and the rest of the United States.
our approach
Our approach in all areas is to consult with our clients to identify their needs and to develop an effective and efficient plan to help them accomplish their goals. Our Jacksonville-based law firm strives to find customized solutions, solving our clients’ most demanding legal challenges. At the same time, we are small business owners committed to supporting local causes and contributing to the quality of life in our community through our activities and affiliations both as individuals and as a law firm.
CURRENT OPENINGS:
- Real Estate Associate Attorney
Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow is seeking an Associate Attorney with 0-2 years of experience to join our Real Estate practice group in our Jacksonville office. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in commercial real estate transactions with a good understanding of leading diligence review and managing deals. The candidate must be organized and detail oriented with a strong academic background and excellent communication and writing skills.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for drafting and negotiating documents relating to acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, and overall development work. Conducting and managing due diligence, including title and survey review. Assisting in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions from contract to closing. Conducting legal research and preparing high-quality reports and opinions. Communicating with clients, opposing counsel, and internal team members efficiently and professionally. Supporting partners and senior attorneys on complex matters while managing day-to-day responsibilities independently. Managing client relationships and contributing to business development. Staying informed of legal and regulatory changes impacting the firm’s clients.
Preferred Experience
Candidates with experience in drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, easements, loan documents, and leases. Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, willingness to accept significant responsibility and manage a challenging workload within a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
Must be admitted to the Florida Bar, Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school, top 20% of class preferred. Up to 2 years of legal practice with a background in real estate, land use, construction, or corporate law preferred. Strong writing, research, and analytical abilities.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, PTO, short term and long-term disability, voluntary term life and AD&D, PTO, and 401(k).
For consideration, please submit a resume, unofficial law school transcript(s), and up to two writing samples demonstrating your legal drafting experience all in .pdf format to Stephanie Burch, VP of Operations, at sburch@drivermcafee.com.
- Land Use Associate Attorney
Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC is seeking a Land Use Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience to join our firm. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in real estate and land development with direct experience drafting and negotiating development agreements and rezonings, concurrency and other land use applications. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with business owners and developers who are shaping communities across northeast Florida.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for advising clients on land use, zoning, permitting, and development regulations. Drafting and negotiating development and real estate agreements with local governments. Representing clients before local government boards and regulatory agencies. Providing counsel on a broad range of land use matters and regulatory requirements. Conducting legal research, drafting land use applications and preparing complex development agreements. Collaborating with firm partners, clients and consultants to provide entitlements and the regulatory framework for development across northeast Florida. Managing client relationships and contributing to business development. Staying informed of legal and regulatory changes impacting the firm’s clients.
Preferred Experience
Candidates with experience in land use and/or real estate law, in particular land use applications, development approvals and interactions with local government planning staff and legislative bodies. Skilled at drafting and negotiating agreements and land use applications. Comfort with representing clients at public meetings and hearings and community meetings. Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, willingness to manage a challenging workload within a fast-paced environment, and attend public meetings, oftentimes after normal work hours and by driving more than 15 miles from the office.
Qualifications
Must be admitted to the Florida Bar. Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school, top 20% of class preferred. Three plus years of legal practice with a background in land use or real estate. Strong writing, research, and analytical abilities. Business – minded approach with excellent communication skills. Proven ability to manage time, projects, and client relationships effectively and can translate complex legal concepts into practical recommendations. Must be proactive and solutions driven.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, PTO, short term and long-term disability, voluntary term life and AD&D, PTO, and 401(k).
For consideration, please submit a resume, unofficial law school transcript(s), up to two writing samples demonstrating your legal drafting experience and three references all in .pdf format to Stephanie Burch, VP of Operations, at sburch@drivermcafee.com.