Real Estate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

About Premier Development

Premier Development is a privately held property management and real estate development firm headquartered in Raritan, New Jersey. With a growing portfolio of residential properties throughout New Jersey, Premier Development is focused on identifying, acquiring, developing, and managing high-quality real estate assets that create long-term value.

We are seeking a motivated and versatile Real Estate Attorney to support our development team through all phases of the real estate development process while also providing legal support on transactions, contracts, and development-related matters.

Position Summary

The Real Estate Attorney will support multiple phases of the real estate development process, including site selection, due diligence, financial analysis, entitlement and permitting, budgeting, acquisitions, construction oversight, and project execution. The successful candidate will actively contribute to both current and pipeline development projects while providing legal insight and support related to real estate transactions, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to all aspects of real estate development and asset management while working directly with senior leadership on projects throughout New Jersey.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Development Responsibilities

• Participate in the preparation of pre-development budgets and schedules for proposed projects, including land contract negotiation, entitlements, permitting, and commencement of construction.
• Research and analyze financial assumptions for underwriting, including permitting fees, impact fees, taxes, utility costs, and development-related expenses.
• Perform market research, demographic studies, apartment database reviews, and competitive market analyses.
• Analyze market conditions, unit mix, amenities, rental rates, operating expenses, and other factors affecting proposed development projects.
• Develop and maintain competitor matrices identifying property locations, amenities, pricing, and market positioning.
• Assist in managing projects under construction to ensure adherence to approved development plans, budgets, schedules, and company procedures.
• Review construction draw requests and monthly project schedules to monitor project progress and budget compliance.
• Assist with project turnover and transition from construction to property operations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, lenders, municipalities, and regulatory agencies throughout the development process.

Legal and Real Estate Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase agreements, leases, development agreements, easements, construction contracts, and other real estate-related documents.
• Conduct legal due diligence, including review of title reports, surveys, zoning regulations, land use approvals, environmental reports, and permitting requirements.
• Assist with property acquisitions, dispositions, financing transactions, and lease negotiations.
• Provide guidance regarding landlord-tenant matters and general real estate compliance issues.
• Support contract negotiations with vendors, consultants, contractors, and development partners.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation, regulatory matters, and specialized legal issues when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting development and property management activities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Qualities

• Self-starter with a strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
• Highly motivated, goal-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented, dependable, and capable of meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to interact effectively with municipal officials, consultants, contractors, lenders, tenants, and business partners.
• Knowledge of construction processes and development practices is a strong plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Education and Experience

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active admission to the New Jersey Bar required.
• Experience with multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, or residential real estate development strongly preferred.
• Experience with project scheduling software, construction management platforms, budgeting, and cost-control systems is a plus.
• Understanding of real estate finance, acquisitions, entitlement processes, and development operations is highly desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and education.
• Annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Life Insurance
• Professional development and career growth within a growing real estate organization.

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Premier Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, or other legally protected characteristics.

Employment at Premier Development is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.