Real Estate General Counsel

Confidential; Deer Park (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent real estate firm in Deer Park, NY, is seeking a General Counsel to oversee all legal matters related to its real estate portfolio and family office interests. This hands-on role involves strategic legal advice, managing transactions, and risk mitigation. The ideal candidate will have a J.D., 5–15+ years of experience in commercial real estate, strong negotiation skills, and a commitment to professionalism. This role requires in-office presence Monday through Friday.

Qualifications

• 5–15+ years of relevant legal experience, with substantial work in commercial real estate transactions.
• Prior in-house counsel experience preferred; familiarity with family-owned companies is a plus.
• Exposure to industrial, residential, and retail property issues is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all legal matters related to real estate, development projects, and property management.
• Draft and review purchase agreements, leases, and construction contracts.
• Advise ownership on legal and strategic planning.

Skills

Strong drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Project management skills

Exceptional communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Member in good standing of the New York State Bar

Job description

The General Counsel will serve as the company’s senior legal executive, overseeing all legal matters related to the company’s real estate portfolio, development projects, property management operations, and family office interests. This is a hands‑on role working closely with ownership to provide strategic legal advice, manage transactions, mitigate risk, and support the company’s continued growth and stability.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Transactions & Development

• Draft and review purchase and sale agreements, leases, joint venture agreements, easements, construction contracts, and service agreements.
• Oversee due diligence, zoning, land use, title, and environmental reviews for acquisitions and development projects.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel, engineers, architects, and municipal authorities.
• Support ground‑up construction and redevelopment of industrial, retail, and residential properties from acquisition through stabilization.

Leasing & Property Management

• Draft and assist with industrial, retail and residential leases, renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Advise property management teams on tenant relations, compliance, collections, and operational issues.
• Assist with vendor and contractor agreements, service contracts, and risk management for the managed portfolio.

Corporate & Family Office Governance

• Advise on entity structuring, joint ventures, and partnership agreements for new and existing ventures.
• Maintain corporate records, operating agreements, and ownership structures.
• Support family governance, estate planning coordination, and intergenerational business succession.
• Oversee family office legal matters, including private investments, insurance, and fiduciary relationships.

Financing & Transactions

• Manage loan documents, refinancing's, guarantees, and lender relationships.
• Coordinate with banks, investors, and advisors on capital transactions.
• Manage insurance programs, claims, and litigation, engaging outside counsel when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including environmental, zoning, and landlord‑tenant regulations.

Strategic Advisory Role

• Act as a trusted advisor to ownership, balancing risk mitigation with business objectives.
• Provide legal support for employee, HR, and operational matters as needed.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long‑term decision‑making for the company and family office.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• J.D. from an accredited law school; member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• 5–15+ years of relevant legal experience, with substantial work in commercial real estate transactions, leasing, and development.
• Prior in‑house counsel experience preferred; experience with a family‑owned or closely held company is a plus.
• Exposure to industrial, residential and retail property issues, property management, and family office operations is desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Ability to balance legal precision with practical business judgment.
• Exceptional communication skills and comfort working directly with ownership, partners, and outside professionals.
• High integrity, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive family and business matters.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands‑on approach.
• Must be willing to work in the office Monday through Friday.