Associate Attorney - Condo / Co-Op

Forrest Johnson•New York, NY

8h•$175,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Attorney - Condo/Co-Op serves as a trusted advisor to cooperative and condominium boards and managing agents, while also handling unit and building purchase and sale transactions. This attorney manages the full range of legal issues that arise in running a building, including governing document work, vendor contracts, and day-to-day compliance questions. This role is ideal for a transactional real estate attorney seeking a boutique environment where they can deepen a specialized practice, build lasting client relationships, and grow alongside a collaborative, entrepreneurial firm.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in New York
Approximately 4–7 years of relevant experience in transactional real estate, with a strong background representing or advising cooperative and condominium boards
Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating governing documents, vendor and contractor agreements, closing documents, and commercial leases
Ability to act as transfer agent on behalf of cooperatives, as well as review and advise on stock and lease transfers
Ability to advise on and facilitate Board meetings, meetings of shareholders and unit owners
Strong research and writing skills, with a solid academic record
Comfort advising boards and managing agents directly, translating complex legal and regulatory issues into clear, practical guidance
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the organizational skills to manage multiple matters and client relationships simultaneously
Comfortable with technology, including legal tech and AI tools, and eager to adopt systems that improve efficiency and quality of work
Relevant experience as a junior associate or associate attorney in a law firm, with specific experience supporting commercial real estate transactions.
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.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
Thrive in a fast-paced environment, taking pride in accuracy, professionalism, and supporting attorneys and clients effectively.

Nice To Haves

Article 881 experiences required

Responsibilities

Manage purchase and sale transactions involving cooperative and condominium units and buildings, from contract through closing
Draft and review proprietary leases, bylaws, and house rules, and assist boards in enforcing these governing documents
Prepare AIA contracts and access license agreements, including negotiating access agreements (Article 881 experiences required)
Advise board members and managing agents on day-to-day legal matters and regulatory issues affecting the building
Prepare and amend governing documents, including proprietary leases, declarations, bylaws, and rules and regulations, along with related operational forms and policies
Draft materials for and provide legal guidance at board and shareholder/unit owner meetings
Advise on budget and expense matters, including dispute resolution as needed
Coordinate closings, ensuring documentation, logistics, and timing are accurate and handled with care
Advise clients on applicable local, state, and federal compliance issues
Support borrower-side financing and refinancing transactions

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