Associate General Counsel, Real Estate
3 days ago
New York
Job DescriptionDescriptionOverview With major capital construction projects underway as well as ongoing needs arising out of NYPL’s approximately 93 locations in The Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, including renovation and construction projects, development projects, leases, condominium issues, zoning and land use matters, real estate tax issues, compliance issues, government and private grants, insurance and related matters, NYPL is seeking an attorney with the ability to provide timely, reliable and effective legal services with a high level of independence on a wide range of real estate and construction law matters. The role requires sound judgment in high-risk, high-visibility matters. The Associate General Counsel will also provide general legal advice on a wide range of matters within a fast-paced, high-volume legal department. We are looking for someone we can count on to: Own: • And independently manage complex real estate and construction matters, • And serve as primary legal advisor for assigned capital and facilities projects, • Internal client relationships and outside counselTeach:, • Clear, practical guidance on legal risk and requirements, • And advise stakeholders on real estate, construction, and contractsLearn:, • NYPL’s real estate portfolio, capital program, and governance, • Internal processes, policies, and decision-making normsImprove:, • Templates, workflows, and use of outside counsel, • Independently handle assigned matters, • Lead selected negotiations and projects6 months and beyond, this person will:, • Operate as a trusted legal advisor, • Anticipate risk and propose solutions, • Independently provide expert legal advice and negotiate complex transactions related to the Library’s owned and leased properties. Work closely with internal business partners to develop and implement strategic real estate initiatives, • Negotiate and draft comprehensive contracts related to property operations and construction services, ensuring all agreements meet legal and operational standards,, • Handle disputes and litigation matters, including landlord issues, regulatory compliance, casualty events, and crisis situations, • Manage relationships with outside counsel and outsourced legal services vendors, ensuring all services are provided within budgetary guidelines and meet the Library’s needs, • Collaborate with senior management, Board members, and other stakeholders to align legal strategies with the Library’s goals and objectives in the Capital Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities areas, • Represent the Library in negotiations with external parties, including government agencies, opposing counsel, and community organizations, • Provide training, mentorship, and subject-matter expertise to legal staff and internal stakeholders on real estate law, contracts negotiation, and compliance matters, • Assist with various tasks within the Legal Department, including but not limited to legal research, contract and document review, governance, record-keeping and general matters, • Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures for which the Legal Department is responsible, • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school, • Active New York State Bar Membership in good standing, • NY State Notary Public License preferredRequired Experience, • 10+ years of relevant real estate transactional experience in law firm or in-house as an attorney, • Demonstrated experience exercising independent legal judgment in complex, high-stakes matters, • Experience in negotiating design and construction contracts; advising on construction-related disputes a plus, • Strong experience in real estate law and industry knowledge, including litigation, lease and purchase and sale transactions, construction, development, condominiums, access agreements, public/private partnerships, and property management issues, • Experience supporting legal, operational and general advisory needs associated with large scale real estate portfolioRequired Skills, • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, • Ability to adapt quickly and easily to changing business needs and priorities, • Demonstrated ability to voice opinions appropriately and take unpopular positions when necessary, • Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to build strong working relationships with internal clients at all levels of management, and work on cross functional teams, • Exhibit exceptional integrity, judgment, and discretion, • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues, • Be Resourceful in solving problems, • Be Curious in all aspects of your work, • Be Welcoming and InclusiveWork Environment, • Office setting, • Hybrid - 2 days remote, 3 days in officePhysical Duties Union/Non Union Non-Union FLSA Status Exempt ScheduleMonday-Friday 9-5, Hybrid - 2 days remote, 3 days in office This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed. The New York Public Library Salary Statement At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies. Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).