Commercial Real Estate Jobs for OPT Students
Commercial real estate jobs on OPT cover brokerage, asset management, financial analysis, and development roles. Most require a degree in finance, real estate, or business, and qualify as STEM OPT extensions when tied to a qualifying CIP code. Standard 12-month OPT gives you enough runway to land a full-time offer.
See All Commercial Real Estate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 83+ Commercial Real Estate jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 83+ Commercial Real Estate jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Commercial Real Estate roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are looking for a skilled 3+ Year Commercial Real Estate Associate Attorney to join our established law firm client's team in Phoenix, Arizona. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated real estate transactions in a collaborative and detail-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle complex matters with precision and efficiency. Competitive salary plus bonus and generous benefits package with above-market employer match on 401K and profit sharing. 1800 billable hour target.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct and oversee commercial real estate closings, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Review title commitments and site surveys to identify potential issues and provide solutions.
- Draft and negotiate various legal documents, including purchase agreements, lease contracts, joint development agreements, and construction escrow agreements.
- Develop covenants, conditions, restrictions, and easements tailored for residential and commercial projects.
- Analyze and distill complex information, communicating effectively with clients and fellow attorneys.
- Collaborate with clients and legal teams to manage multiple intricate matters simultaneously.
- Provide strategic legal advice and propose solutions to address material issues in real estate transactions.
- Contribute to a collegial team environment while maintaining high standards of legal practice.
- Stay updated on Arizona real estate laws and regulations to ensure compliance throughout all transactions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must hold a current Arizona State Bar law license.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in commercial real estate law.
- Strong academic credentials from a recognized law school.
- Proven ability to draft and negotiate real estate contracts and agreements.
- Experience with title reviews, surveys, and resolving related issues.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify and address key concerns.
- Effective communicator with the ability to work collaboratively in team settings.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and ethics.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
INTRODUCTION
We are looking for a skilled 3+ Year Commercial Real Estate Associate Attorney to join our established law firm client's team in Phoenix, Arizona. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated real estate transactions in a collaborative and detail-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle complex matters with precision and efficiency. Competitive salary plus bonus and generous benefits package with above-market employer match on 401K and profit sharing. 1800 billable hour target.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct and oversee commercial real estate closings, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Review title commitments and site surveys to identify potential issues and provide solutions.
- Draft and negotiate various legal documents, including purchase agreements, lease contracts, joint development agreements, and construction escrow agreements.
- Develop covenants, conditions, restrictions, and easements tailored for residential and commercial projects.
- Analyze and distill complex information, communicating effectively with clients and fellow attorneys.
- Collaborate with clients and legal teams to manage multiple intricate matters simultaneously.
- Provide strategic legal advice and propose solutions to address material issues in real estate transactions.
- Contribute to a collegial team environment while maintaining high standards of legal practice.
- Stay updated on Arizona real estate laws and regulations to ensure compliance throughout all transactions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must hold a current Arizona State Bar law license.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in commercial real estate law.
- Strong academic credentials from a recognized law school.
- Proven ability to draft and negotiate real estate contracts and agreements.
- Experience with title reviews, surveys, and resolving related issues.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify and address key concerns.
- Effective communicator with the ability to work collaboratively in team settings.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and ethics.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Commercial Real Estate
Target STEM-eligible roles first
Many commercial real estate analyst and financial modeling roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in finance, economics, or a related field. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work window.
Lead with your analytical skills
Commercial real estate firms hire OPT students primarily for underwriting, financial modeling, and market analysis. Emphasize Excel, Argus, and DCF modeling skills on your resume. Technical proficiency signals you can contribute immediately, which matters when employers weigh sponsorship costs.
Focus on firms with institutional deal flow
Large REITs, private equity real estate funds, and institutional asset managers are far more likely to sponsor visas than boutique brokerages. These firms have legal infrastructure in place and regularly convert OPT analysts to H-1B or O-1 status after the training period.
Get your EAD card before your start date
Your Employment Authorization Document must be valid on your first day of work, not just applied for. File your OPT application at least 90 days before your program end date and confirm your EAD arrival timeline with your DSO to avoid any gap between graduation and employment.
Understand the employer's timeline for H-1B
Commercial real estate roles typically convert to H-1B sponsorship, which has an April lottery deadline. Ask hiring managers early in the process whether the firm participates in H-1B, so you can plan your OPT runway around the next available registration window.
Report employment changes to your DSO promptly
OPT requires you to report any employer change within 10 days through your school's SEVIS portal. If you move between a brokerage and a development firm during your authorized period, update your records immediately to stay in status and protect future visa eligibility.
Commercial Real Estate jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Commercial Real Estate JobsSee all 83+ Commercial Real Estate jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Commercial Real Estate roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work in commercial real estate on OPT?
Yes, commercial real estate roles including financial analyst, asset manager, acquisitions associate, and market research analyst all qualify for OPT work authorization as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. Finance, business, and real estate degrees are the most common qualifying backgrounds. Brokerage roles that pay exclusively on commission can create OPT compliance issues, so confirm the pay structure with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do commercial real estate jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree and the role. If your degree is in finance, economics, statistics, or a STEM-designated business field, and your job involves quantitative analysis, financial modeling, or data-driven research, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your CIP code. Roles that are primarily sales or client-facing are less likely to qualify.
What types of commercial real estate employers are most likely to sponsor visas?
Institutional employers with established legal teams, including large REITs, private equity real estate funds, commercial mortgage firms, and major asset managers, are most likely to sponsor H-1B or O-1 visas after your OPT period. Smaller boutique brokerages rarely have the infrastructure or deal volume to justify sponsorship. Browse Migrate Mate to identify which commercial real estate employers have a track record of hiring and sponsoring international candidates.
What happens if my OPT expires before the H-1B lottery results?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf and it is selected in the lottery, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges the period between your OPT expiration and the October 1 H-1B start date. This extension is automatic as long as your OPT was still valid when the petition was filed. Talk to your DSO as soon as you receive an H-1B filing confirmation from your employer.
Can I work as a commercial real estate broker on OPT?
It is possible but complicated. OPT requires that your work be directly related to your degree field, and commission-only compensation structures can raise questions about whether the role meets employment requirements under SEVIS regulations. Some DSOs require documentation showing the position is a bona fide employment arrangement rather than independent contracting. If you pursue a brokerage role, confirm the compensation structure and employment classification with your DSO in writing before you start.
See which Commercial Real Estate employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Commercial Real Estate Jobs