Legal
Construction & Design Group Associate
New York, NY
About the role
A leading international law firm is seeking a senior associate with 6–10 years of transactional construction law experience. The role involves drafting, negotiating, and closing construction contracts, design agreements, and access/license agreements for institutional owner and developer clients. The successful candidate will manage a high-volume transactional workbook, taking ownership of matters with fast turnaround times. They will work closely with a 7-person construction practice group, receiving direct mentorship from a co-chair. Responsibilities include handling RPAPL 881 special proceedings, petitioning courts to compel neighbouring property owners to grant access for construction or demolition projects, and managing complex negotiations on access agreements. The role also involves participating in weekly group meetings and contributing to the firm's marketing and business development efforts over time.
What we are looking for
Applicants must have 6–10 years of transactional construction law experience, specifically having worked on design agreements, construction contracts, and access/license agreements on behalf of owners and developers. Comfort operating independently on complex matters with minimal supervision and a track record of managing files from intake through close with fast turnaround times are essential. Experience with 881 special proceedings (NY access agreement disputes) is required. NY bar admission is also required.
Compensation
Base Salary: $200,000–$300,000, commensurate with experience (targeting 6–10 year associates). Bonus Opportunities include: Hours Bonus: Requires 1,800+ combined billable and qualifying non-billable hours. For 6+ year associates: $30,000 at 1,800 hrs / $40,000 at 1,900 hrs / $50,000 at 2,000 hrs. Origination Bonus: ~15% of calendar year collections from client matters originated, paid by December 31.
Working arrangement
Hybrid
Visa eligibility
This role is not open to visa sponsorship. Applicants must be US citizens or Green Card holders.
Benefits
Associates do not receive 401(k) match or profit-sharing. The firm is explicitly open to 'of counsel' or near-partnership arrangements for candidates with a book of business, with origination credit available at the associate level.
Equity
No equity component. This is a law firm partnership-track position. Compensation is structured as base salary plus performance bonuses. For candidates at or near partnership level, equity-equivalent participation would come through partnership admission rather than a traditional equity grant.