Associate Attorney - Commercial Leasing

Forrest Johnson; New York (NY); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer matching

15 days paid vacation

Paid holidays

Mentorship and career development

NYC Bar membership with CLE access

Job summary

Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC in New York City seeks an Associate Attorney – Commercial Leasing to own leasing matters, negotiate leases, and advise clients in CRE transactions.

You'll draft and negotiate leases, review LOIs, and coordinate closings, while collaborating with partners in a boutique real estate practice known for client service and entrepreneurial culture.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in New York (or eligibility)
• Approximately 4–7 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions within a law firm
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating leases, purchase and sale agreements, and other transactional documents
• Strong legal judgment, integrity, excellence, collaborative spirit, and genuine enthusiasm for the firm's mission
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial leases for landlord and tenant clients across office, retail, and industrial properties
• Represent parties at every stage of the leasing process, from LOI through final lease
• Draft and negotiate ancillary lease documents (SNDAs, estoppel certificates)
• Advise on build-out, alterations, and construction provisions tied to leases
• Advise on compliance issues affecting leased commercial space
• Coordinate lease closings and transaction logistics
• Support financing and refinancing transactions involving leased properties

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Legal analysis

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Real estate software

Job description

Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC (BFKP) is a New York City-based boutique law firm focused on real estate transactions, real estate litigation, and complex commercial matters. BFKP provides big law sophistication to real estate clients who want boutique service. We pride ourselves on combining deep legal expertise with practical judgment, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to long-term client relationships.

What We Do

BFKP provides full service legal support to real estate owners, occupiers and professionals, individuals and businesses by helping them build and protect their assets. Our transactional practice handles acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, and ongoing general counsel support, while our litigation team represents clients in high‑stakes real estate and commercial disputes. Across all practice areas, we focus on strategic thinking, clear communication, and solutions that protect our clients’ interests while supporting their broader business goals.

What It’s Like to Work Here

At BFKP, you’ll work closely with partners and clients from day one in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where ownership and accountability are encouraged. We are intentionally lean, growth‑oriented, and hands‑on – attorneys and paralegals are trusted to manage meaningful responsibilities rather than operate in rigid silos. Team members build long‑term careers here because they gain real experience, develop strong client relationships, and work alongside colleagues who value quality, integrity, and professionalism without the bureaucracy of a large firm.

Job Description

The Associate Attorney – Commercial Leasing role is designed for attorneys who want true ownership over their matters, hands‑on transactional experience, and direct client interaction. Our transactional associates manage deals from inception to closing, negotiate key contracts, and serve as trusted advisors to clients. This role is ideal for attorneys seeking a boutique environment where they can grow as strategic, client‑focused lawyers while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative, entrepreneurial firm culture.

What You’ll Do

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial leases for landlord and tenant clients across office, retail, and industrial properties
• Represent parties at every stage of the leasing process, from reviewing and negotiating terms in a letter of intent through drafting and finalizing the lease
• Draft and negotiate ancillary lease documents, including guaranties, subordination and non‑disturbance agreements (SNDAs), and estoppel certificates
• Advise landlord and tenant clients on build‑out, alteration, and construction provisions tied to lease agreements, including AIA contract review where applicable
• Draft and negotiate access license agreements related to construction or alteration work affecting leased premises
• Advise clients on applicable local, state, and federal compliance issues affecting leased commercial space
• Support financing and refinancing transactions involving leased or income‑producing commercial property
• Coordinate lease‑related closings and transaction logistics, ensuring documentation and timing are handled accurately
• Advise clients on lease disputes, coordinating with litigation counsel as needed for issues that elevate beyond negotiation

Who We’re Looking For
Individuals who share our core values

• Tenacious - Grit & perseverance when the going gets tough
• Pushing Boundaries - Creative approach to problem‑solving
• Character Counts - Collaborative and collegial people, who take responsibility and maintain accountability & high emotional intelligence
• "Big Law" Approach - Intellectually curious, proactive, high standards

and also

• Bring relevant experience as a junior associate or associate attorney in a law firm, with specific experience supporting commercial real estate transactions.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and appetite for learning, seeking a smaller, up‑and‑coming firm where they can have real impact and grow their skills.
• Value a high‑caliber, collegial culture that is collaborative, responsive, and relationship‑driven with colleagues and clients.
• Embrace technology (including legal tech and AI tools) and is eager to learn and adopt new systems that enhance efficiency and quality of work.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Thrive in a fast‑paced environment, taking pride in accuracy, professionalism, and supporting attorneys and clients effectively.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in New York (or eligibility for admission)
• Approximately 4–7 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions within a law firm
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating leases, purchase and sale agreements, and other transactional documents
• Strong legal judgment, commitment to integrity and excellence, collaborative spirit in partnering with colleagues and clients, and genuine enthusiasm for the firm's mission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Comfortable with technology and legal tech tools; experience with real estate‑specific software a plus.
  

Additional Information

• Compensation – Competitive annual salary in the range of $175k - $250k commensurate with experience, practice focus, and credentials
• Health & Wellness Benefits – Substantial employer contributions toward comprehensive insurance, consistent with NYC legal market standards
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Paid Time Off – Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation annually, 40 hours of paid sick leave, plus standard paid firm holidays
• Professional Development & Mentorship – Direct mentorship from firm partners, and meaningful responsibility on sophisticated commercial real estate matters – The firm also pays for New York City Bar membership - with free access to the NYC Bar's complete CLE Passport, with thousands of on‑demand CLEs
• Career Advancement – Annual performance and compensation reviews with opportunities for merit‑based raises, expanded responsibility, and long‑term advancement within a collaborative, high‑performing New York real estate practice

Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable employment laws and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic.

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