Associate Attorney – Transactional Real Estate

Company Description

Who We Are

Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC (BFKP) is a New York City-based boutique law firm focused on real estate transactions, real estate litigation, and complex commercial matters. BFKP provides big law sophistication to real estate clients who want boutique service. We pride ourselves on combining deep legal expertise with practical judgment, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to long-term client relationships.

What We Do

BFKP provides full service legal support to real estate owners, occupiers and professionals, individuals and businesses by helping them build and protect their assets. Our transactional practice handles acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, and ongoing general counsel support, while our litigation team represents clients in high-stakes real estate and commercial disputes. Across all practice areas, we focus on strategic thinking, clear communication, and solutions that protect our clients’ interests while supporting their broader business goals.

What It’s Like to Work Here

At BFKP, you’ll work closely with partners and clients from day one in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where ownership and accountability are encouraged. We are intentionally lean, growth-oriented, and hands-on – attorneys and paralegals are trusted to manage meaningful responsibilities rather than operate in rigid silos. Team members build long-term careers here because they gain real experience, develop strong client relationships, and work alongside colleagues who value quality, integrity, and professionalism without the bureaucracy of a large firm.

Job Description

The Associate Attorney – Transactional Real Estate role is designed for attorneys who want true ownership over their matters, hands-on transactional experience, and direct client interaction. Our transactional associates manage deals from inception to closing, negotiate key contracts, and serve as trusted advisors to clients. This role is ideal for attorneys seeking a boutique environment where they can grow as strategic, client-focused lawyers while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative, entrepreneurial firm culture.

What You’ll Do

• Manage commercial real estate transactions from start to finish, coordinating strategy and execution in collaboration with partners
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial office leases, purchase and sale agreements, guaranties, access agreements, and ancillary contracts
• Conduct title review and resolve issues prior to closing
• Prepare for and coordinate residential, condo, and co-op closings, ensuring all documentation and logistics are accurate and timely
• Provide practical, client-facing advice on transactional matters, representing the firm’s brand with professionalism and strategic thinking
• Collaborate with paralegals and other team members while maintaining accountability for quality, deadlines, and overall deal outcomes

Who We’re Looking For

Individuals who share our core values

• Tenacious - Grit & perseverance when the going gets tough
• Pushing Boundaries - Creative approach to problem-solving 
• Character Counts - Collaborative and collegial people, who take responsibility and maintain accountability & high emotional intelligence
• "Big Law" Approach - Intellectually curious, proactive, high standards

and also

• Bring relevant experience as a junior associate or associate attorney in a law firm, with specific experience supporting commercial real estate transactions.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and appetite for learning, seeking a smaller, up-and-coming firm where they can have real impact and grow their skills.
• Value a high-caliber, collegial culture that is collaborative, responsive, and relationship-driven with colleagues and clients.
• Embrace technology (including legal tech and AI tools) and is eager to learn and adopt new systems that enhance efficiency and quality of work.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, taking pride in accuracy, professionalism, and supporting attorneys and clients effectively.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in New York (or eligibility for admission)
• Approximately 3–6 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions within a law firm
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating leases, purchase and sale agreements, and other transactional documents
• Strong legal judgment, commitment to integrity and excellence, collaborative spirit in partnering with colleagues and clients, and genuine enthusiasm for the firm's mission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Comfortable with technology and legal tech tools; experience with real estate-specific software a plus.

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation – Competitive annual salary in the range of $175k - $250k commensurate with experience, practice focus, and credentials
• Health & Wellness Benefits – Substantial employer contributions toward comprehensive insurance, consistent with NYC legal market standards
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Paid Time Off – Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation annually, 40 hours of paid sick leave, plus standard paid firm holidays
• Professional Development & Mentorship – Direct mentorship from firm partners, and meaningful responsibility on sophisticated commercial real estate matters – The firm also pays for New York City Bar membership - with free access to the NYC Bar's complete CLE Passport, with thousands of on-demand CLEs
• Career Advancement – Annual performance and compensation reviews with opportunities for merit-based raises, expanded responsibility, and long-term advancement within a collaborative, high-performing New York real estate practice

Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable employment laws and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic.

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