Real Estate Associate

plug-legal; New York (NY); On-site; USD 260,000 - 435,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary: $260k–$435k

Bonus: hours-based billable bonus

Generous benefits: health, 401(k), PTO

Job summary

plug-legal in New York seeks a mid- to senior-level Real Estate Associate to manage sophisticated commercial real estate transactions with direct client access. A NY bar-eligible attorney with 3+ years of dedicated CRE experience is desired.

You will handle structured finance, acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures, working with a collaborative, partner-track platform that supports growth toward partnership.

Qualifications

• New York-barred (or eligible) attorney
• At least three years of dedicated commercial real estate experience

Responsibilities

• Steer complex, high-stakes commercial real estate transactions from inception to closing
• Manage junior associates on due diligence and other tasks
• Speak directly with clients and translate legal risks into business solutions

Skills

Commercial Real Estate

New York Bar Eligible

Client Communication

Job description

Real Estate Associate (Mid-Level to Senior) — New York, NY

Commercial Real Estate · 3–7+ Years' Experience · NY Bar Eligible

A premier, nationally ranked Am Law 100 firm is seeking a mid- to senior-level real estate associate to join its expanding New York practice. This role is designed for an attorney who has outgrown routine execution and is ready to independently manage sophisticated transactions with direct client access, backed by a collaborative, partner‑track platform.

The Work

You will steer complex, high‑stakes commercial real estate transactions from inception to closing. The practice group handles a diverse, premium portfolio, meaning your workload will span:

• Structured Finance: Representing prominent lenders and borrowers in mortgage, mezzanine, and preferred equity financings.
• Transactions & Development: Advising institutional investors, developers, and private equity funds on high‑value acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures.
• Strategic Advisory: Acting as a primary point of contact for sophisticated clients, translating complex legal risks into commercial business solutions.

Who This Is For

You are a New York‑barred (or eligible) attorney with at least three years of dedicated commercial real estate experience. You are comfortable running deal components independently, managing junior associates on diligence, and speaking directly with clients.

While a traditional real estate background is the primary target, this role is also an excellent pivot for high‑caliber corporate finance or M&A associates who have significant experience exposure to real‑estate assets or joint‑venture structures and want to specialize in a premier real‑estate practice.

The Platform

This firm offers the sophisticated deal flow of an elite global practice without the siloed, cut‑throat environment. The New York real estate team is intentionally structured to invest in long‑term associate development. You will work alongside partners who actively mentor, share origination strategies, and provide a clear, merit‑based trajectory toward partnership.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base Salary: $260,000 to $435,000, scaled to your graduation year and depth of experience.
• Bonus Structure: Eligible for a generous, hours‑based billable bonus.
• Benefits: Comprehensive market‑standard package including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with firm profit‑sharing contributions; generous PTO and parental leave; life and disability insurance; and a dedicated professional development/CLE budget.