Construction Associate Attorney

SNI Companies; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SNI Companies is seeking a Construction Associate Attorney for its New York office. The ideal candidate will focus on transactional construction matters, involving front-end deal work such as drafting and negotiating agreements. Responsibilities include advising clients on risk allocation and supporting project finance transactions. Requirements include a J.D. and admission to the New York Bar, with 3-6+ years of relevant experience. The position offers market-leading salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3–6+ years of construction law experience, emphasizing transactional work.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex construction agreements.
• Familiarity with industry-standard forms like AIA, ConsensusDocs.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction-related agreements.
• Advise on risk allocation, contract strategy, and project structuring.
• Support real estate and project finance transactions.

Skills

Construction law experience

Drafting and negotiating agreements

Industry-standard forms familiarity

Risk allocation principles understanding

Client counseling skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Admission to the New York Bar

Job description

Construction Associate Attorney (Transactional)

Location: New York, NY

Position Type: Full-Time | Associate (Partnership Track)

Position Overview

A leading, nationally recognized law firm is seeking a Construction Associate Attorney to join its New York office, with a strong focus on transactional construction matters. This role is ideal for an attorney who prefers front‑end deal work—structuring, drafting, and negotiating complex construction agreements—rather than litigation or dispute resolution.

The associate will represent developers, owners, lenders, contractors, and design professionals on high‑value projects across multiple asset classes, including commercial, mixed‑use, infrastructure, and energy developments.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of construction and project‑related agreements, including:
• Design agreements (architects, engineers)
• EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) agreements
• General contractor and construction management agreements
• Subcontracts and consultant agreements
• Advise clients on risk allocation, contract strategy, and project structuring
• Support real estate and project finance transactions by:
• Reviewing construction budgets, schedules, and project documents
• Negotiating construction provisions in loan agreements
• Counsel clients on project delivery methods, including:
• Design‑build
• CM at‑risk
• Public‑private partnerships (P3)
• Identify and mitigate construction‑related risks, including delay, cost overrun, indemnity, insurance, and performance issues
• Collaborate with internal teams across real estate, finance, and corporate practices
• Provide proactive legal guidance to help avoid disputes (with limited involvement in litigation or claims)

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the New York Bar
• 3–6+ years of construction law experience, with a strong emphasis on transactional work
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating complex construction agreements
• Familiarity with industry‑standard forms (e.g., American Institute of Architects (AIA), ConsensusDocs)
• Strong understanding of risk allocation principles in construction contracts
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and client counseling skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on large‑scale commercial or infrastructure projects
• Exposure to construction aspects of real estate development and project finance
• Familiarity with New York construction law and lien law concepts

Why This Role

• Focus on high‑level transactional work rather than litigation
• Opportunity to work on complex, marquee projects across industries
• Direct client interaction and meaningful responsibility
• Collaborative environment with top‑tier real estate and finance attorneys
• Clear path for professional growth and advancement

Compensation

• Market‑leading salary (aligned with top New York firms)

About the Firm

This top‑tier law firm is known for its premier construction and infrastructure practice, advising clients on some of the most significant and complex projects in the U.S. and globally. The firm offers a collegial culture, sophisticated work, and long‑term career development opportunities.