What are the responsibilities and job description for the Real Estate Attorney position at Upward On?
About the Opportunity
This is an opportunity for a Real Estate Attorney to join a growing, in-house team supporting a portfolio of commercial real estate assets. This role is heavily focused on drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial lease agreements, while also supporting acquisitions, dispositions, and financings. The ideal candidate is a strong legal writer who can operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and drive transactions forward in a fast-paced environment.
About the Company
Our client is a privately held real estate owner/operator with a diverse portfolio of commercial assets. The firm works closely across acquisitions, asset management, and property management, offering a collaborative, deal-driven environment.
Responsibilities:
Leasing & Transactional Drafting
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial real estate documents, including retail and office leases, amendments, renewals, SNDAs, estoppels, and related agreements
- Produce clear, practical, landlord-favorable lease language
- Manage lease negotiations with counterparties
Acquisitions, Dispositions & Financings
- Support acquisitions, dispositions, and financings through document review and negotiation
- Coordinate due diligence and assist through closing
- Manage deal checklists, timelines, and closing deliverables
- Partner with asset management, acquisitions, and property management teams
- Interface with outside counsel, lenders, title companies, brokers, and counterparties
Legal Review
- Review and analyze third-party documents including leases, title reports, surveys, loan documents, and service agreements
- Identify legal and business risks and provide practical, solutions-oriented guidance
- Manage multiple transactions simultaneously and ensure timely execution
- Provide regular updates on deal status and key issues
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Admission to practice in New York (or ability to waive in)
- 2–3 years of commercial real estate experience (law firm or in-house)
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills, particularly with commercial leases
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple transactions
Preferred Experience:
- Exposure to retail, mixed-use, or shopping center leasing
- Experience working directly with business teams in an owner/operator or developer environment
- Ability to balance legal risk with practical business objectives
Compensation:
Competitive base salary benefits (medical, dental, vision, PTO)