Associate Corporate Counsel

Durst Profile:

Since 1915, The Durst Organization has been a family‑run business dedicated to the principles of innovation, integrity, community, and sustainability. We develop, build, own, and manage premier office towers and residential buildings that set new standards in environmental responsibility and user efficiency. Our enduring relationships with our tenants and partners are critical to our success and have made us generations of builders, building for generations. We build, own, and operate many of the world’s most innovative and efficient buildings. We create value for our tenants and partners by developing sustainable residential and commercial properties in which people live, work, and thrive.

Overview

The Associate Corporate Counsel will work closely with the Legal & Risk Management Department, internal stakeholders, and outside counsel to manage The Durst Organization’s legal affairs. This role plays a key part in facilitating and administering Commercial Leasing matters, drafting, negotiating and interpreting a broad range of real estate and non‑real‑estate agreements, and ensuring sound corporate governance.

This role requires a highly motivated and organized individual, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality, and ensure deliverables are up to Company standards.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Commercial Leasing Department, cross‑functional teams, and outside counsel to oversee and facilitate the drafting and negotiation of lease documentation.
• Draft and review ancillary lease documentation such as substantial completion notices, letters of credit, indemnity letters, SNDAs, estoppel certificates, commencement date agreements and availability notices.
• Advises internal teams on questions of lease interpretation and disputes resolution.
• Monitor and track letters of credit, lender consent obligations, encumbrances (e.g., rights of first offer and expansion options) and other critical matters to ensure timely execution of projects.
• Prepare and maintain lease abstracts.
• Draft and negotiate small commercial leases, retail leases, license agreements, letter agreements (e.g., forbearance agreements) and notices of default (with the support of outside counsel).
• Draft, review, and negotiate various non‑leasing documents and agreements, such as corporate formation and governance documents, confidentiality agreements, master service agreements, consultant agreements, purchase orders, amenities management agreements, construction and development agreements, requests for disbursement from loan reserves, photo and film production agreements and software license agreements.
• Provide cross‑departmental support on questions of legal compliance and contract interpretation.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Provide general litigation support.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with cross‑functional departments.
• Support the Senior Vice President & General Counsel and the Senior Associate Corporate Counsel on special projects and other legal matters as needed.
• Serve as a resource, advocate, and catalyst for sustainability at The Durst Organization. Apply the skills unique to the core job responsibilities for practical integration of sustainability into processes, standard operating procedures, and adopted business practices. Seek to empower colleagues, consultants, tenants and residents to prioritize and actively engage in environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• 3‑5 years of experience with transactional NYC real estate law at a law firm, in house, or a combination thereof
• Demonstrated experience with commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and/or financing
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating legal documents
• Meticulous analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized and process driven
• Ability to work well independently and in a team setting
• Strong project management skills with the ability to effectively multitask and prioritize

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Law Degree from accredited U.S. law school
• Member must be in good standing with the New York State Bar

Salary Range: $200,000 - $225,000 (annual)

EEOC

Equal Opportunity Employer and affirmative action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. The Durst Organization and Affiliates is an equal opportunity employer for all and an employer for qualified veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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