Job Description

Company

The Company, a real estate management and operating firm, is based in Bergen County, New Jersey, and owns multi-family apartment communities in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Position

Reporting directly to the President, the successful candidate in this new role will serve as In-House Counsel leading the firm's legal activities and liaising with outside counsel on various real estate transaction, corporate, portfolio-level and management company matters. The primary responsibility of this individual will be to manage all legal matters across the company's portfolio, including real estate and lease transactions, tenancy issues, partnership agreements, acquisitions, and regulatory compliance across multiple states. The position requires a business-minded attorney who is entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and comfortable working in a lean, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on tenancy matters, including court appearances, lease enforcement, tenant disputes, and rent control compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Manage legal aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and contract review.
• Support property management operations by advising on local ordinances, regulatory compliance, and municipal requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate partnership agreements, vendor contracts, and corporate governance documents.
• Oversee and coordinate tax appeals and related property tax matters.
• Handle small-scale litigation directly, while managing outside counsel for complex or large-scale disputes.
• Liaise with external law firms on specialized transactions, financing, and litigation matters, ensuring efficient and cost-effective representation.
• Contribute to the company’s succession planning and strategic initiatives by advising leadership on legal structures and long-term risk management.
• Stay current with relevant administrative and regulatory procedures (APA) and ensure company practices comply with evolving laws and regulations.
• Provide proactive legal guidance to senior leadership, acting as a strategic partner in supporting the company’s growth and operational objectives.
• Support the drafting, review, and negotiating of leases, purchase and sale agreements, financing documents, partnership agreements, and related contracts, as necessary.
• Develop internal policies, procedures, and training that mitigate legal risk.
• Provide proactive legal and business advice to senior management and contribute to the company’s strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in both New York and New Jersey (required).
• 5–10 years of relevant legal experience, preferably with a leading law firm and/or in-house counsel role at a real estate investment and management company.
• Exposure and experience within multifamily investments is a plus.
• Strong expertise in real estate law, including leases, acquisitions, dispositions, and financing.
• Knowledge of tenancy law, partnership structures, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements and close transactions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and can-do attitude, with a focus on deliverables.
• Ability to operate independently in a collegial, founder-led environment, where employees and their commitments outside of work are valued.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Personal Skills & Attributes

• Self-motivated, team player who pays close attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a dynamic and team-oriented environment; think critically while balancing business goals with risk management.
• Results-oriented with strong project management and execution skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills with ability to sustain strong relationships with clients, peers, and outside business partners.
• Ability to interact with multiple levels in an organization and in multiple jurisdictions.

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