Senior Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Associate Attorney – Real Estate, Business Transactions and Land Use

Alter, Pearson & Hope, LLC, an established boutique law firm in Glastonbury, Connecticut, is seeking an experienced and versatile attorney to join its growing practice.

Our firm represents individuals, businesses, developers, lenders, municipalities, and property owners in a broad range of matters, including commercial and residential real estate transactions, financing and leasing, land use and development, zoning, complex title matters, business transactions, general corporate representation, probate and estate matters, and commercial and real estate litigation.

The attorney hired for this position is expected to focus principally on real estate, business transactions, land use and zoning. Because our workflow crosses several practice areas, this position is best suited for an attorney who enjoys a varied practice.

The Attorney We Are Seeking

We do not expect one attorney to be an expert in every area handled by the firm. The successful candidate should have substantial experience in at least one of the following areas and meaningful experience in, or the demonstrated ability to handle, one or more of the others:

• Commercial or residential real estate transactions;
• Business transactions and general corporate representation;
• Land use, zoning, or real estate development; or
• Commercial or real estate litigation.

More importantly, the candidate must have strong legal fundamentals, sound professional judgment, and the ability to independently analyze and handle related matters without needing to be taught the fundamentals of practicing law.

This is a senior associate position, not an entry-level training position. The successful candidate will be expected to produce high-quality, client-ready work, manage matters and deadlines, communicate directly with clients and opposing counsel, and exercise good judgment regarding the time and expense appropriate for each assignment.

Responsibilities

Depending upon the attorney’s background and the firm’s workflow, responsibilities may include:

• Managing commercial and residential real estate transactions from engagement through closing;
• Drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, leases, loan documents, easements, development agreements, and other real estate documents;
• Structuring, drafting, and negotiating business transactions, including asset purchases, equity transactions, organizational documents, shareholder or operating agreements, and other commercial contracts;
• Advising business clients concerning corporate governance, contracts, financing, acquisitions, dispositions, and general operational matters;
• Representing property owners, developers, businesses, and municipalities in land use, zoning, permitting, and development matters;
• Preparing and presenting applications before zoning commissions, planning commissions, zoning boards of appeals, and other municipal agencies;
• Drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, settlement agreements, and other documents in commercial, real estate, land use, and related litigation;
• Managing client communications, deadlines, and the day-to-day progression of assigned matters;
• Working collaboratively with the firm’s partners, associates, paralegals, and professional staff; and
• Developing long-term relationships with the firm’s clients and referral sources.

The nature of the work will vary over time. Candidates must be comfortable moving among different types of assignments and independently developing the additional subject-matter knowledge necessary to handle related matters.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Connecticut Bar in good standing;
• At least five years of relevant legal experience;
• Substantial experience in at least one of the firm’s principal practice areas;
• Meaningful experience in, or a demonstrated ability to handle, one or more additional practice areas;
• Strong drafting, analytical, negotiation, and client-service skills;
• Ability to produce accurate, practical, and client-ready work with limited supervision and revision;
• Ability to manage multiple matters, deadlines, and client expectations;
• Strong work ethic;
• Consistent responsiveness and follow-through; and
• A collaborative, dependable, and professional approach to practicing law.

A portable book of business is welcome but is not required.

Compensation and Productivity

The anticipated base salary is $105,000 to $115,000, depending upon experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to handle matters independently.

In addition to base salary, the attorney will be eligible for quarterly productivity bonuses based on legal fees actually collected. At target productivity, anticipated total annual cash compensation is approximately $125,000 to $135,000, with additional upside for higher production.

The firm’s productivity expectations are materially below traditional large-firm billable-hour requirements. Nevertheless, this is a full-time position requiring consistent productivity, responsiveness, efficiency, and ownership of assigned matters.

Performance is evaluated based on the quality and value of the attorney’s work, professional judgment, efficiency, responsiveness, client service, and collected revenue—not simply the number of hours recorded. Attorneys are expected to exercise sound judgment regarding the amount of time warranted by each assignment and to produce work that provides meaningful value to the client.

A Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Large-Firm Practice

This position may be particularly attractive to an experienced attorney who enjoys sophisticated legal work and substantial responsibility but is seeking a more sustainable alternative to traditional large-firm practice.

The firm offers varied assignments, direct client contact, meaningful responsibility, and lower productivity expectations than those typically associated with a large firm. This does not mean lower professional standards or an absence of accountability. The successful candidate must consistently deliver high-quality work, remain responsive to clients and colleagues, meet deadlines, and contribute productively to the firm.

Attorneys who satisfy those expectations are afforded reasonable flexibility in managing their schedules and professional responsibilities.

Work Environment and Benefits

The position is based in the firm’s Glastonbury office. Attorneys are expected to be available and responsive during the business day, but the firm provides reasonable scheduling flexibility for attorneys who consistently satisfy their client-service, quality, and productivity responsibilities.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance;
• Vision insurance;
• Life insurance;
• Short-term disability insurance;
• Paid time off and paid holidays;
• Retirement plan with employer contribution;
• Payment or reimbursement of approved bar dues and continuing legal education expenses; and
• Quarterly productivity bonuses.

The firm is seeking an attorney interested in making a long-term contribution to the practice. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with experienced attorneys, assume substantial responsibility, develop direct client relationships, and grow professionally within the firm.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing:

• Their principal areas of practice;
• Other areas in which they have meaningful experience;
• The types of matters they have handled independently; and
• Their interest in joining a broad-based boutique practice.

All inquiries will be treated confidentially.

Alter, Pearson & Hope, LLC, is an equal opportunity employer.

Alter, Pearson & Hope, LLC, is an established boutique law firm in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Our firm represents individuals, businesses, developers, lenders, municipalities, and property owners in a broad range of matters, including commercial and residential real estate transactions, financing and leasing, land use and development, zoning, complex title matters, business transactions, general corporate representation, probate and estate matters, and commercial and real estate litigation.
Alter, Pearson & Hope, LLC, is committed to providing high-quality, value-focused, and result-driven representation.

Company Description

Alter, Pearson & Hope, LLC, is an established boutique law firm in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Our firm represents individuals, businesses, developers, lenders, municipalities, and property owners in a broad range of matters, including commercial and residential real estate transactions, financing and leasing, land use and development, zoning, complex title matters, business transactions, general corporate representation, probate and estate matters, and commercial and real estate litigation.\r\nAlter, Pearson & Hope, LLC, is committed to providing high-quality, value-focused, and result-driven representation.