Director, Real Estate Counsel

Fast Retailing; New York (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Fast Retailing is seeking a Director, Real Estate Counsel in New York City. You will handle lease negotiations and related real estate matters for UNIQLO and GU in North America within the in-house legal department, reporting to the Vice President, Real Estate Counsel.

The role requires a JD, New York Bar admission, and 3–5 years of retail/commercial leasing experience, with strong drafting and negotiation skills for high-volume deals and complex documents.

Qualifications

• J.D. with excellent academic credentials.
• Bar admission in New York State.
• 3–5 years of legal experience in commercial/retail leasing and related matters.
• Strong drafting, organizational and analytical skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication across all management levels.
• Experience negotiating directly with opposing counsel.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of accountability and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Draft, revise and negotiate retail leases for Fast Retailing brands and related agreements.
• Manage and prepare ancillary real estate documents (amendments, SNDAs, licenses, estoppel certificates).
• Review lease provisions and construction agreements for business partners in real estate and lease accounting.
• Maintain portfolio due diligence, abstracts and lease term compliance.
• Ensure awareness of penalties, renewal, and exclusives in leases.
• Provide real estate legal support during store development and approvals.
• Resolve disputes with landlords, tenants, subtenants, and contractors.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assess legal and business risks.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Education

J.D.

Job description

Fast Retailing, recognized for our flagship brand UNIQLO and Theory, Helmut Lang, Comptoir Des Cotonnier, GU, PLST, and Princesse Tam Tam brands, operates with the mission of “Changing clothes. Changing conventional wisdom. Change the world.” and the concept of “LifeWear = ultimate everyday wear to improve everyone’s daily life.”

Position Overview:

We are currently seeking a Director, Real Estate Counsel with retail leasing experience to join our New York City based in-house legal department. Reporting to the Vice President, Real Estate Counsel, the role of the Director, Real Estate Counsel is to handle lease negotiations and other real estate matters for the UNIQLO & GU brands in North America.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drafting, revising and negotiating retail leases for the Fast Retailing brands as well as other real estate related agreements to support our high volume of deals and expansion, including broker agreements, office leases, subleases and construction contracts.
• Manage, review and prepare ancillary real estate documents (amendments, SNDAs, Tenant Allowance agreements, licenses, commencement agreements, estoppels, etc.).
• Review and interpret retail lease provisions and construction agreements to counsel business partners in real estate, retail, construction and lease accounting matters.
• Manage and review critical dates and tracker reports and other due diligence materials related to existing real estate portfolio.
• Maintain abstracts, lease summary charts, and awareness of lease terms, obligations and responsibilities required in each lease (such as meeting penalty and notification dates), and exclusives and restrictions so there are no violations of existing leases.
• Provide legal support as needed during store development review and project approval and execution processes.
• Resolve disputes with landlords, contractors, tenants and/or subtenants.
• Work closely with various stakeholders and business teams to assess and advise on legal and business risks and solutions.

Qualifications:

• J.D. with excellent academic credentials
• Bar admission in New York State
• At least 3 to 5 years of legal experience, including substantial experience in commercial/retail leasing and related matters
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and advise competently on issues
• Strong drafting, organizational and analytical skills
• Superior written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate across all levels of management.
• Experience negotiating directly with opposing counsel
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• High degree of accountability and attention to detail

Salary range for this role is: $200,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year*

*The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and location of the position.

To learn more about Fast Retailing, company culture, benefits and more go to:

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Fast Retailing does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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