Construction & Design Group Associate

Job Overview

About the Firm

A well-regarded boutique law firm of 50–55 attorneys in Midtown Manhattan with a dedicated, active construction and design practice group. The firm is known for a hands-on, people-first culture, deep industry expertise, and a strong commitment to client service. The construction group — seven lawyers strong — works with institutional owners and developers on a high-volume transactional practice where speed and precision are the standard.

The Opportunity

The construction group is growing due to increased workload and is looking for a senior associate who can hit the ground running. You’ll work directly alongside experienced partners, including a 50+ year practitioner who co-chairs the group, on sophisticated transactional construction matters for owner and developer clients. This is a high-autonomy role with real partnership-track potential.

What You’ll Do

• Draft, negotiate, and close construction contracts, design agreements (architect, engineer, consultant), and access/license agreements on behalf of owners and developers
• Own your files from intake through close — this group measures turnaround in days, not weeks
• Handle RPAPL 881 special proceedings — petitioning courts to compel neighboring property owners to grant construction or demolition access
• Manage complex adverse negotiations on access agreements where neighboring property owners seek excessive license fees and conditions
• Participate in weekly group meetings (Wednesday in-person) reviewing active matters and emerging legal issues
• Contribute to marketing and business development efforts over time as you build toward partnership

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• 6–10 years of transactional construction law experience at a recognized construction practice
• Demonstrated experience representing owners and developers on construction contracts and design agreements
• Experience with access/license agreements for adjacent-property construction work
• Ability to manage files independently from intake through close with minimal supervision
• JD from an accredited law school
• Admitted to the New York State Bar
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence — relationship orientation matters here
• Comfortable in a high-volume, fast-turnaround transactional environment
• Able to work 4 days in-office in Midtown Manhattan

Strongly Preferred:

• RPAPL 881 special proceeding experience — this is a differentiator and highly sought after in the market
• Interest in marketing, business development, and industry involvement

CompensationComponentDetailsBase Salary$200,000 – $300,000Hours Bonus (1,800+ hrs)$30K / $40K / $50K (6+ yr associates)Origination Bonus~15% of collections from originated businessPartnership TrackYes — this is a partnership-track position

No 401(k) match. No equity component outside of partnership admission.

Why This Role

• Direct mentorship from one of New York’s most seasoned construction law practitioners
• High-autonomy practice with real responsibility from day one
• Clear and transparent path to partnership
• Collegial, relationship-driven team culture
• Competitive compensation with meaningful upside through hours and origination bonuses

Pay: $200,000.00 - $300,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance

Application Question(s):

• Will you be able to reliably commute or relocate to New York, NY 10028 for this job?

Experience:

• Transactional Construction Law : 5 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10028