Attorney - Real Estate

Description

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) is a state agency responsible for maintaining the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway - two of the busiest toll roads in the United States. The NJTA is dedicated to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods along their toll roads. Every day, the Authority's highways provide the safest, quickest, and most convenient routes for hundreds of commuters, truckers, and recreational travelers.

OUR MISSION:

We are committed to constantly improving the safety, technology, and resiliency of our toll roadway systems through sound fiscal policy and maintaining an excellent state of good repair that promotes the connectedness of our customers across the state and region.


POSITION:
The NJTA is currently seeking applications for a Real Estate Attorney position in our Law department located at our Woodbridge, NJ headquarters building.

The Attorney serves as in house counsel within the Department of Law, providing legal guidance and oversight for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority's (the "Authority") real estate matters. This position manages real estate transactions, prepares and negotiates related agreements, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The role supports the Director of Law and collaborates closely with internal departments, outside counsel, and consultants to facilitate efficient and legally sound real estate project execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assist the Director of Law in providing legal guidance to Authority leadership and staff regarding real estate issues and related matters.
2. Manage and oversee Authority real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, surplus sales, easements and development projects.
3. Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of real estate contracts, including purchase and sale agreements, leases, construction-related documents, and other transactional contracts.
4. Advise on real estate matters involving zoning, land use, environmental considerations, and regulatory compliance.
5. Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, outside counsel, and external stakeholders to support timely and efficient completion of real estate transactions.
6. Work with outside counsel on specialized matters or complex transactions as needed.
7. Review title documentation, identify and address title issues, and collaborate with title companies to ensure accuracy and completeness.
8. Partner with engineering staff and consultants to address technical considerations associated with property development, infrastructure and Authority projects.
9. Conduct due diligence, including review of surveys, environmental reports, and compliance documents.
10. Assess and help manage risk exposure in the Authority's real estate activities, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and mitigation of potential liabilities.
11. Prepare periodic reports and updates to the Director of Law and other project team members regarding the status of transactions, risks, and strategic recommendations.
12. Provide additional legal services or support as assigned by the Director of Law, including coordination with retained outside counsel on real estate matters.

This list is not exhaustive; additional tasks may be assigned as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
2. Licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of New Jersey.
3. Minimum of four (4) years of experience in real estate law, including transactional work and contract negotiation.
4. Strong knowledge of real estate law, title review, zoning, land use and related regulatory frameworks.
5. Experience collaborating with title companies, engineering professionals and consultants, real estate professionals and outside counsel.
6. Excellent organizational, analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
7. Ability to manage multiple transactions and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
8. Prior in-house, public sector, or infrastructure-related experience is preferred but not required.
9. Must possess a valid New Jersey driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Proficiency with legal research, document-management/productivity tools; familiarity with right-of-way or property management service (such as PAECETrak or similar systems) is a plus.
2. Experience managing outside counsel or working collaboratively on complex real estate transactions, particularly within transportation, infrastructure, or public-sector environments, is highly valued.

BENEFITS & PAY:
This position will be located at the headquarters building, located in Woodbridge, NJ. Toll-free commutation is available for employee travel to and from work on the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3914. Members will receive an annual increment (PIP) to their base salary per the guidelines of the CBA. All Local 3914 NJTA full time employees are also entitled to participate in the following benefits per the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance on first day of employment; Enrollment in the NJ Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) if eligible; PERS Life Insurance and PERS Supplemental Life Insurance; Group Life Insurance; Worker's Compensation Insurance; 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan; Time off including holidays, vacation, sick, personal, leaves of absence, and other pre-approved days after applicable waiting periods.

NOTE: This position is classified as exempt and may require work outside normal business hours based on court schedules, emergent incidents, or operation needs. The role may involve travel for hearings and internal meetings. Hybrid work arrangements through the Authority's Telework Policy may be available consistent with Authority policy and operational requirements.

Prospective public employees should be aware that the New Jersey First Act requires employees of all public authorities to reside in the State of New Jersey unless otherwise exempted under the law.

The Authority is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and to providing reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law. Applicants requiring an accommodation during the application or interview process may request assistance through the Authority's designated contact.