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.

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.

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.

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 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