Associate Attorney - Commercial Leasing

Forrest Johnson•New York, NY

9d•$175,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Attorney – Commercial Leasing role is designed for attorneys who want true ownership over their matters, hands-on transactional experience, and direct client interaction. Our transactional associates manage deals from inception to closing, negotiate key contracts, and serve as trusted advisors to clients. This role is ideal for attorneys seeking a boutique environment where they can grow as strategic, client-focused lawyers while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative, entrepreneurial firm culture.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in New York (or eligibility for admission)
Approximately 4–7 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions within a law firm
Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating leases, purchase and sale agreements, and other transactional documents
Strong legal judgment, commitment to integrity and excellence, collaborative spirit in partnering with colleagues and clients, and genuine enthusiasm for the firm's mission.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
Comfortable with technology and legal tech tools; experience with real estate-specific software a plus.

Nice To Haves

Individuals who share our core values
Tenacious - Grit & perseverance when the going gets tough
Pushing Boundaries - Creative approach to problem-solving
Character Counts - Collaborative and collegial people, who take responsibility and maintain accountability & high emotional intelligence
"Big Law" Approach - Intellectually curious, proactive, high standards
Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and appetite for learning, seeking a smaller, up-and-coming firm where they can have real impact and grow their skills.
Value a high-caliber, collegial culture that is collaborative, responsive, and relationship-driven with colleagues and clients.
Embrace technology (including legal tech and AI tools) and is eager to learn and adopt new systems that enhance efficiency and quality of work.
Thrive in a fast-paced environment, taking pride in accuracy, professionalism, and supporting attorneys and clients effectively.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and negotiate commercial leases for landlord and tenant clients across office, retail, and industrial properties
Represent parties at every stage of the leasing process, from reviewing and negotiating terms in a letter of intent through drafting and finalizing the lease
Draft and negotiate ancillary lease documents, including guaranties, subordination and non-disturbance agreements (SNDAs), and estoppel certificates
Advise landlord and tenant clients on build-out, alteration, and construction provisions tied to lease agreements, including AIA contract review where applicable
Draft and negotiate access license agreements related to construction or alteration work affecting leased premises
Advise clients on applicable local, state, and federal compliance issues affecting leased commercial space
Support financing and refinancing transactions involving leased or income-producing commercial property
Coordinate lease-related closings and transaction logistics, ensuring documentation and timing are handled accurately
Advise clients on lease disputes, coordinating with litigation counsel as needed for issues that escalate beyond negotiation

Benefits

Competitive annual salary in the range of $175k - $250k commensurate with experience, practice focus, and credentials
Substantial employer contributions toward comprehensive insurance, consistent with NYC legal market standards
401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation annually
40 hours of paid sick leave
Standard paid firm holidays
Direct mentorship from firm partners
Meaningful responsibility on sophisticated commercial real estate matters
The firm also pays for New York City Bar membership - with free access to the NYC Bar's complete CLE Passport, with thousands of on-demand CLEs
Annual performance and compensation reviews with opportunities for merit-based raises, expanded responsibility, and long-term advancement within a collaborative, high-performing New York real estate practice