Associate Attorney – Transactional Real Estate

Forrest Johnson • New York, NY

2d • $175,000 - $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Attorney – Transactional Real Estate 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

• Bring 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.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in New York (or eligibility for admission)
• Approximately 3–6 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial real estate transactions from start to finish, coordinating strategy and execution in collaboration with partners
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial office leases, purchase and sale agreements, guaranties, access agreements, and ancillary contracts
• Conduct title review and resolve issues prior to closing
• Prepare for and coordinate residential, condo, and co-op closings, ensuring all documentation and logistics are accurate and timely
• Provide practical, client-facing advice on transactional matters, representing the firm’s brand with professionalism and strategic thinking
• Collaborate with paralegals and other team members while maintaining accountability for quality, deadlines, and overall deal outcomes

Benefits

• Compensation – Competitive annual salary in the range of $175k - $250k commensurate with experience, practice focus, and credentials
• Health & Wellness Benefits – Substantial employer contributions toward comprehensive insurance, consistent with NYC legal market standards
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Paid Time Off – Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation annually, 40 hours of paid sick leave, plus standard paid firm holidays
• Professional Development & Mentorship – Direct mentorship from firm partners, and 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
• Career Advancement – 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree