Job Description

Job Description

In-House Counsel – Real Estate / Land Use / Transactions

A growing New York real estate owner/operator and property management platform is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to support a diverse portfolio of development, acquisition, and management projects. This individual will serve as a key legal and business partner to ownership and senior leadership across acquisitions, development, construction, financing, zoning, and ongoing property operations.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in New York real estate law with substantial experience handling land use and zoning matters, transactional work, refinancing, and construction-related legal matters. Experience with Zoning and Land Use Application (“ZELDA”) filings and NYC air rights transactions is required.

Responsibilities

• Handle legal matters related to commercial and multifamily real estate acquisitions, dispositions, refinancing transactions, and general corporate real estate matters
• Manage zoning and land use matters including rezonings, variances, special permits, and entitlement processes
• Prepare, review, and coordinate ZELDA filings and related submissions with outside consultants, expediters, and government agencies
• Advise ownership on NYC air rights transactions, development rights transfers, and related structuring matters
• Negotiate and draft transactional documents including purchase agreements, loan documents, easements, development agreements, and construction-related contracts
• Work closely with development, construction, asset management, and property management teams on legal and operational issues
• Coordinate with outside counsel, lenders, architects, engineers, and municipal agencies as needed
• Provide legal guidance on risk management, compliance, leasing matters, and day-to-day operational issues across the portfolio
• Support construction and redevelopment projects from pre-development through completion

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and admission to practice law in New York
• 5+ years of relevant real estate legal experience, preferably with a law firm, developer, owner/operator, or real estate investment firm
• Strong experience with NYC zoning and land use matters
• Hands-on experience with ZELDA filings and processes is required
• Experience handling NYC air rights transactions is required
• Background in commercial real estate transactions, refinancing, and construction-related legal work
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Highly organized with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal stakeholders