Commercial Real Estate Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A highly regarded law firm is seeking an experienced Commercial Real Estate Associate Attorney with 4–7 years of experience to join its Real Estate & Finance Practice Group in Rochester, New York. This role is suited for attorneys who are ready to independently manage complex, high-value transactions and provide strategic counsel to a sophisticated client base, including developers, financial institutions, municipalities, and investors. The position offers a hybrid work model following an onboarding period.

Location:

• Rochester, New York

Duties:

Real Estate Transactions:

• Manage acquisitions, dispositions, developments, leasing, and mortgage financing of commercial properties

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, including loan documents, easements, commercial leases, and purchase and sale agreements

• Conduct and resolve title and survey reviews, addressing encumbrances or objections

• Perform due diligence and coordinate environmental, zoning, and land use reviews

• Lead transaction closings, prepare checklists, and ensure compliance with deadlines

Client Advisory & Representation:

• Serve as lead counsel to developers, municipalities, lenders, and investors

• Advise clients on deal structuring, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation

• Interface with senior executives and in-house legal teams

• Represent clients in development projects, including regulatory negotiations

Team & Project Management:

• Supervise paralegals and closing coordinators to ensure timely and accurate deliverables

• Coordinate with attorneys in other practice areas to support multidisciplinary matters

• Participate in mentoring, knowledge-sharing, and growth of the Real Estate & Finance team

• Engage in client development initiatives and support firm-wide innovation

Requirements:

• 4–7 years of experience in commercial real estate law, with a focus on complex transactions and development

• Proven ability to manage transactions independently and supervise support staff

• Experience working directly with sophisticated clients and decision-makers

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Admission to practice law in New York State

Skills:

• Strong negotiation, drafting, and legal advisory skills

• Expertise in managing deal timelines, due diligence, and closings

• Proficiency in handling title and survey matters

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Experience with tax credit, municipal, or commercial leasing matters is a plus

Benefits:

• Associate bonus plan

• 401(k) plan with 3% profit-sharing + 2% employer contribution

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance (short- and long-term)

• 4 weeks of paid time off, 8 holidays, and 1 floating holiday

• Hybrid work option following onboarding

• Ongoing mentorship and professional development support

This distinguished New York-based law firm has four offices in the state and is comprised of a sizable group of attorneys who provide excellent legal counsel in twelve areas of practice. The firm is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes that a diverse workforce is critical to its success. The firm is also involved in a number of community outreach programs.