Commercial Leasing Attorney

Overview

Experience Level: Mid-Level Associate (3–7 years)

About the Firm: Our client is a respected mid-size law firm located in lower Manhattan, known for their excellence in transactional real estate, commercial real estate, and banking. They offer the resources of a larger firm with the collaborative culture of a close-knit team. There, you'll find a supportive environment where your ideas are valued and your contributions make an impact from day one. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, take on meaningful work, or join a team that works hard and enjoys the process, this firm is a place where you can build a rewarding legal career.

Position Overview: An exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Leasing Attorney to join their team! The ideal candidate is a motivated and detail-oriented attorney with extensive experience managing complex commercial leasing transactions and a deep understanding of the legal and business dynamics that drive commercial real estate deals.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial real estate transactions for various asset classes including office, retail, industrial, and ground leases
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial leases including gross leases, modified gross leases, triple net leases, percentage leases, and ground leases
• Manage all aspects of commercial real estate purchase and sale transactions, including contract negotiation, due diligence, title, and survey review, and closing
• Analyze lease provisions related to rent escalations, operating expenses, CAM charges, exclusivity, use restrictions, and default provisions
• Negotiate and draft/revise letters of intent (LOIs), lease amendments, assignments, subleases, and early terminations
• Counsel clients on lease administration issues, enforcement of lease terms, and rights and remedies in default situations
• Conduct due diligence including lease abstracts, estoppel certificates, and SNDA (Subordination, Non-Disturbance, and Attornment) agreements
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to real estate law, zoning, title, and regulatory compliance in New York
• Ability to analyze the business impact of leasing terms and align legal recommendations with client objectives
• Maintain strong relationships with clients and provide practical, business-focused legal guidance throughout all stages of transactions
• Collaborate with institutional lenders in connection with lease reviews and financing transactions
• Collaborate with attorneys across practice groups, including banking and finance to structure transactions
• Provide guidance on leasehold financing issues and negotiate lease terms that satisfy lender underwriting requirements
• Ability to interpret and synthesize complex lease documents and align legal advice with clients' business goals
• Stay current on market leasing trends, local zoning updates, and commercial real estate developments affecting leasing strategies

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admitted to practice in New York State
• 3-7 years’ experience in commercial leasing and real estate transactions at a law firm or in house legal department
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating leases for office, retail, and or industrial spaces
• Familiarity with real estate financing, loan documents, and title/survey review
• Exceptional organizational communication and client-relations skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Knowledge of zoning regulations, building codes, and ADA compliance as they relate to leasehold improvements
• Deep understanding of key lease provisions: rent escalations, use clauses, exclusivity, operating expenses/CAM, repair and maintenance obligations, indemnities, and termination rights

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience: $150,000 +
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Vacation / paid time off
• Opportunities for career advancement within the firm