In-House Real Estate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

In-House Real Estate Attorney

Busy Real Estate firm seeking an In-House Real Estate Attorney to take e a lead role in managing and protecting our growing real estate portfolio.

This position is ideal for a commercially minded attorney who is comfortable working independently across real estate transactions, acquisitions and dispositions, landlord-tenant matters, leasing, property operations, and general corporate matters. You will work closely with ownership and property management to minimize legal risk, facilitate transactions, protect company assets, and resolve property-level issues efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Transactions & Acquisitions

• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, deeds, financing documents, title and closing documents, and related transaction agreements.
• Lead and manage legal due diligence for property acquisitions and dispositions.
• Identify and address title, zoning, environmental, contractual, and other legal issues affecting transactions.
• Coordinate with lenders, brokers, title companies, escrow agents, surveyors, consultants, and outside counsel to facilitate efficient closings.
• Manage transactions from initial negotiations through execution and closing.

Landlord-Tenant & Leasing

• Advise on commercial and residential landlord-tenant matters across the portfolio.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer leases, renewals, amendments, extensions, and termination agreements.
• Prepare and oversee notices relating to defaults, lease violations, non-payment, cure periods, and terminations.
• Manage eviction and holdover matters, including coordination with outside litigation counsel and representation in Housing Court where appropriate.
• Provide practical legal guidance regarding tenant disputes, lease enforcement, and property-management issues.
• Advise management on fair housing requirements, landlord-tenant regulations, municipal codes, and other applicable property laws.

Corporate, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain and advise on LLC structures, operating agreements, entity documentation, and corporate governance for real estate holding companies.
• Serve as the primary internal legal resource for day-to-day property operations and business decisions.
• Identify potential legal and operational risks and recommend practical, business-focused solutions.
• Coordinate with outside counsel when specialized litigation or other legal expertise is required.
• Develop and maintain processes, templates, and legal practices that improve efficiency and reduce risk across the portfolio.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law and membership in good standing in the applicable state bar (e.g., New York).
• 3–7+ years of substantive experience in real estate transactional law, landlord-tenant law, or a combination of both.
• Demonstrated experience independently drafting, negotiating, and closing real estate transactions.
• Strong working knowledge of leases, landlord-tenant law, eviction procedures, and property-management regulations.
• Experience managing legal matters with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong business judgment and the ability to provide practical, commercially focused legal advice.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and take ownership of matters from beginning to resolution.