General Counsel

About the Opportunity

Upward On is partnering with a longstanding, vertically integrated real estate owner and developer to identify an experienced General Counsel to lead its in-house legal function.

This will be the company’s sole in-house legal position and a highly visible role working directly with ownership and senior leadership. The General Counsel will advise on a broad range of commercial real estate, transactional, development and landlord-tenant matters while coordinating with outside counsel on significant transactions and litigation.

The ideal candidate has at least seven years of sophisticated commercial real estate experience, with particular strength in commercial leasing and acquisitions. This person should be practical, business-minded and comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial environment where priorities move quickly and legal advice must support the company’s broader business objectives.

About the Company

Our client is a reputable, family-run real estate organization with a significant portfolio of retail, industrial, commercial and multifamily properties throughout New York and New Jersey.

The company has completed several marquee developments, maintains a robust pipeline and is actively pursuing opportunistic expansion into additional markets. Its long-term plans include continued acquisitions, development and the creation of high-end condominium projects.

Role and Responsibilities

• Serve as the company’s primary in-house legal advisor and sole legal officer.
• Advise ownership and senior leadership on commercial real estate, transactional, development and operational matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial leases, amendments, assignments, licenses and related agreements.
• Advise on real estate acquisitions, dispositions, due diligence and other transactional matters.
• Support the development team throughout the planning and execution of major projects.
• Work with New York City, New York State and other governmental agencies on development-related approvals, regulatory requirements and compliance matters.
• Draft and negotiate access, service, infrastructure and related agreements with utility and telecommunications providers.
• Provide guidance on landlord-tenant matters and coordinate with outside litigation counsel when necessary.
• Identify legal and business risks and provide practical, solutions-oriented recommendations.
• Select, manage and coordinate outside counsel for major transactions, litigation and specialized legal matters.
• Partner with lenders, consultants, contractors, property managers and other external parties involved in the company’s projects and investments.
• Establish and maintain organized legal processes, documentation and reporting across the portfolio.
• Manage multiple active matters simultaneously in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company’s business, portfolio and long-term growth strategy.

Qualifications

• Admitted and in good standing to practice law in New York.
• At least seven years of relevant commercial real estate legal experience.
• Training at a reputable real estate law firm is strongly preferred.
• Substantial experience drafting and negotiating commercial leases.
• Experience with real estate acquisitions, dispositions and transactional due diligence.
• Familiarity with development, regulatory and governmental agency matters.
• Landlord-tenant and related litigation experience is a plus, but not required.
• Experience managing and coordinating outside counsel.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, drafting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Practical and business-minded, with the ability to balance legal risk against commercial objectives.
• Collaborative, personable and comfortable working closely with ownership and cross-functional teams.
• Entrepreneurial and willing to take ownership of matters beyond a narrowly defined legal role.
• Interested in becoming a long-term member of the organization and contributing to its continued growth.

Compensation

The company offers a competitive executive compensation package consisting of a base salary and annual bonus. Compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

The company is seeking a long-term member of its leadership team who can grow with the organization and participate in its continued success.