Senior Attorney (Real Estate)

Build your career while building NYC schools!

The SCA's Legal Department provides legal services to all divisions and departments of the SCA.  The Department's responsibilities include: advising the Board of Trustees, officers and employees of all legal requirements of the SCA's construction program and business operations; managing litigation and defending the SCA in administrative matters; mediating construction claims and disputes; drafting and negotiating SCA contracts, license agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents; responding to requests pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL); managing the SCA’s public works lien system; and providing assistance with regards to the City's Conflicts of Interest laws.

Job Description Summary

The Senior Attorney reports to the Deputy General Counsel and is responsible for providing legal advice and recommendations regarding legal actions, strategies, problems and issues facing the various divisions of the Authority. The Senior Attorney will be responsible for negotiating, drafting and reviewing various legal documents, and coordinating with Real Estate Services staff, and other departments within the Authority with respect to the acquisition, leasing, construction including license agreements for protection of adjacent properties and rehabilitation of public schools.

Job Description

Responsibilities include:

• Negotiate, draft and review contracts, Letters of Intent, Memoranda of Understanding, Contracts of Sale, Licenses, Leases and SNDAs.
• Draft assignment and assumption agreements between the NYC Department of Education and the Authority.
• Negotiate, draft and review easements, zoning lot development agreements (ZLDAs), zoning declarations, zoning exhibits, condominium documents, and other real estate related documents.
• Advise Authority staff on various legal matters concerning real property transactions including construction matters and the NYC Construction Code.
• Research complex legal issues.
• Provide legal support to various divisions of the Authority, particularly regarding real estate acquisitions, licenses, and construction.

Candidates should be eager to enhance their real estate knowledge and build an understanding of local and statutory processes as they relate to real estate transactions and construction in the public sector. 

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school. 
• Admitted to the NYS Bar and in good standing.
• Four years of experience in the areas of construction, contracts, real estate, housing, environmental laws or related fields.

Preferred Skills:

• Land Use and/or Real Estate experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and remediation desired.
• Knowledge and experience with NYC Construction Code and NYS statutory interpretation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills, negotiation and drafting skills, and the ability to handle multiple assignments, and results within tight deadlines.

Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive

Posting End Date: 10/24/2026

Salary Range: $91,193 - $140,000

Education

Juris Doctor

Certifications (if required)

BAR - NYS Office of Court Administration

Work Experience

Four years of full-time legal experience in the area of responsibility.

It is the policy of the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, the NYCSCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

 

We offer exceptional benefits including:

* Medical (100% employer paid for basic coverage available)

* Prescription Drug Options

* Dental & Vision Coverage

* NYC Qualified Pension Plan (QPP)

* Optional Retirement Savings Plans including 401K, 457 and IRA options

* Transit Check Program

* Public Loan Forgiveness Program

* Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to employee growth and development, the SCA’s Learning and Development (L&D) program offers a variety of valuable benefits. These include tuition reimbursement for continued education that is directly related to your current role, as well as access to a broad range of individual and organizational training opportunities. Trainings on leadership development, technical skill-building, compliance, personal and professional growth. These programs are designed to strengthen performance, boost engagement, and ensure our workforce is fully equipped to meet both current and future organizational goals.

 

The SCA is interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. The SCA is not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.  We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees