Real Estate Attorney

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. We are looking for an individual with 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr