Associate Corporate Counsel @ The Durst Organization

Counselwell Inc.; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

The Durst Organization seeks an Associate Corporate Counsel in New York City to manage commercial leasing matters, draft and negotiate real estate and related agreements, and support corporate governance with outside counsel.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensure compliance with laws, and assist the Senior Vice President & General Counsel on special projects, while maintaining discretion and delivering high‑quality work.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience with transactional NYC real estate law.
• Experience with commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and/or financing.
• Strong drafting and negotiating of legal documents.
• Meticulous analytical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Highly organized and process oriented.
• Work well independently and in a team.
• Strong multitasking and project management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee drafting and negotiation of lease documentation with commercial leasing team and outside counsel.
• Draft and review ancillary lease documents and notices.
• Advise internal teams on lease interpretation and disputes.
• Monitor letters of credit, lender consents, and related obligations.
• Prepare and maintain lease abstracts.
• Draft and negotiate non-leasing agreements (e.g., governance, NDAs, master service agreements).
• Provide cross-departmental compliance and contract interpretation support.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Support SVP & GC on special projects; contribute to sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Drafting documents

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Organization

Project management

Multitasking

Education

Law Degree

New York Bar Admission

Job description

Associate Corporate Counsel

New York City, NY (On-Site)

Overview

The Associate Corporate Counsel will work closely with the Legal & Risk Management Department, internal stakeholders, and outside counsel to manage The Durst Organization's legal affairs. This role plays a key part in facilitating and administering Commercial Leasing matters, drafting, negotiating and interpreting a broad range of real estate and non-real estate agreements, and ensuring sound corporate governance.

This role requires a highly motivated and organized individual, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality, and ensure deliverables are up to Company standards.

Responsibilities

• Partners with the Commercial Leasing Department, cross-functional teams, and outside counsel to oversee and facilitate the drafting and negotiation of lease documentation.
• Drafts and reviews ancillary lease documentation such as substantial completion notices, letters of credit, indemnity letters, SNDAs, estoppel certificates, commencement date agreements and availability notices.
• Advises internal teams on questions of lease interpretation and disputes resolution.
• Monitors and tracks letters of credit, lender consent obligations, encumbrances (e.g., rights of first offer and expansion options) and other critical matters to ensure timely execution of projects.
• Prepares and maintains lease abstracts.
• Drafts and negotiates small commercial leases, retail leases, license agreements, letter agreements (e.g., forbearance agreements) and, notices of default (with the support of outside counsel).
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates various non-leasing documents and agreements, such as corporate formation and governance documents, confidentiality agreements, master service agreements, consultant agreements, purchase orders, amenities management agreements, construction and development agreements, requests for disbursement from loan reserves, photo and film production agreements and software license agreements.
• Provides cross-departmental support on questions of legal compliance and contract interpretation.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with cross functional departments.
• Supports the Senior Vice President & General Counsel and the Senior Associate Corporate Counsel on special projects and other legal matters as needed.
• Serves as a resource, advocate, and catalyst for sustainability at The Durst Organization. Applies the skills unique to the core job responsibilities for practical integration of sustainability into processes, standard operating procedures, and adopted business practices. Seeks to empower colleagues, consultants, tenants and residents to prioritize and actively engage in environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience with transactional NYC real estate law at a law firm, in house, or a combination thereof
• Demonstrated experience with commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and/or financing
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating legal documents
• Must possess meticulous analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized and process driven
• Ability to work well independently and in a team setting
• Strong project management skills with the ability to effectively multitask and prioritize.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Law Degree from accredited U.S. law school
• Member must be in good standing with the New York State Bar

Salary Range: $200,000 - $225,000 (annual)

Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

The Durst Organization and Affiliates is an equal opportunity employer for all and an employer for qualified veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.