Real Estate Associate Attorney (1-3yrs) - New Jersey at Direct Counsel

Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Junior Associate to join its Real Estate and Corporate practice groups in its New Jersey office (hybrid schedule). This opportunity is ideal for a recent law school graduate or an attorney with 1–3 years of experience who is eager to develop a practice focused on commercial real estate leasing transactions and corporate matters, while working closely with experienced partners and senior associates.Key Responsibilities

Real Estate (Primary Focus: Leasing):

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial lease agreements (office, retail, industrial, mixed-use).

• Support lease amendments, assignments, subleases, and terminations.

• Represent both landlord and tenant interests.

• Conduct due diligence for real estate transactions.

• Review purchase and sale agreements.

• Prepare closing documents and coordinate closings.

Corporate Law:

• Draft and review entity formation documents (e.g., articles of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreements).

• Assist with M&A transactions, including due diligence and drafting of purchase agreements.

• Prepare board resolutions and corporate governance documents.

• Support compliance with securities laws and private placements.

• Draft and negotiate contracts (vendor, employment, NDAs, etc.).

• Assist with restructuring and dissolution.

• Maintain corporate records and regulatory filings.

General Duties:

• Conduct legal research (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis).

• Prepare legal memoranda and client correspondence.

• Attend client meetings, closings, and court proceedings.

• Collaborate across teams and manage multiple deadlines.

• Support client development efforts and relationship management.

Qualifications

Required:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Admission to the New Jersey Bar (or eligibility for admission by motion).

• 1–3 years of relevant experience.

• Strong academic credentials.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines under pressure.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research platforms.

• Collaborative and professional team player.

Preferred:

• Experience in real estate or corporate law.

• Previous law firm experience, summer associate or internship.

• Involvement in law review, moot court, or similar.

• Background in business or finance.

• Admission to the New York Bar.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $175,000–$225,000, commensurate with experience.

• Full benefits package: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with firm match.

• CLE and professional development support.

• Formal mentorship program.

• Defined path for advancement.

• Opportunity to work on complex, high-profile transactions.

• Access to advanced legal tech and firm resources.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter expressing interest in real estate and corporate law.

• Resume.

• Law school transcript.

• Writing sample (preferably a memo or transactional document).