Real Estate Development Associate Jobs in Hempstead, NY

Dep General Counsel-Real Estate - 01047117

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Agency: MTAHQ

Job Title: Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief, Real Estate Development & Planning

Department: 865401

Division: 860000

Job Family: Legal

Grade: 009

Reports To: First Deputy Gen Counsel-Trans

Work Location: 2 BROADWAY

Full Time/Part-Time: F

Hours of Work: 7

Union: Non-Represented Position

MTA Headquarters reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.
Telework:
This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
Job Summary:
This position reports to the First Deputy General Counsel (Transactions) and is responsible for managing the Real Estate Development & Planning practice within the MTA's consolidated Legal Department, including the supervision of MTA Senior and Associate attorneys and outside counsel on relevant transactions. The position serves as principal counsel to the MTA's Transit-Oriented Development & Real Estate Planning Departments and a trusted advisor to the First Dep. General Counsel (Transactions). The position frequently collaborates with the MTA's Deputy General Counsels in other Transactional practices and advises MTA's staff and executives in a number of other legal practice areas, including public/private partnerships and project finance.
Responsibilities:

• Manage the MTA's Real Estate Development & Planning practice and all related legal matters, including air-rights overbuild developments, infrastructure and facility expansion, property sales, leases, licenses, easements, and advertising franchises, in order to best protect the MTA’s interests.


• Provide legal advice and counsel to MTA's executives and staff in real estate development-related functions to ensure compliance with all legal requirements, maximize the benefits for the MTA and its operating agencies and efficiently bring transactions to a successful conclusion.


• Manage and coach the less experienced, full time lawyers handling real estate development matters to ensure efficient and effective representation.


• Review, analyze, draft and negotiate a broad variety of real estate development related contracts and documents.


• Advise real estate development related management regarding legal and business risks to protect MTA’s interests.


• Support the First Dep. General Counsel (Transactions) by providing him/her with legal, business and policy advice.


• Assist in the selection, development and motivation of in-house professional legal staff to ensure high-quality and efficient provision of legal service that enables the MTA to decrease its reliance on outside counsel. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.


• Represent the MTA in complex and sensitive special assignments as requested by the First Dep. General Counsel (Transactions)


• Supervise and coordinate with outside counsel in real estate development matters.


• Other duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned


• Complies with all policies and standards


• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable


• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable


• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable


• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable


• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Education:

• JD from an accredited law school Required

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney or comparable relevant legal and managerial experience in high level positions at a law firm or governmental legal office or in a private sector legal department. Required

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated excellence in the practice of real estate law. Required


• Demonstrated initiative and excellent judgment. Required


• Demonstrated ability to work independently on matters of significant size, importance and complexity. Required


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and clients in a fast-paced environment. Required


• Prior supervisory experience over a professional legal staff. Required


• Prior experience as the lead lawyer on sophisticated real estate development transactions. Required


• Strong interpersonal and communications skills. Required


• Demonstrated confidence dealing with senior management and sophisticated counter parties. Required


• Proven capability to build and maintain client relationships, including contacts in the real estate development and legal fields. Required


• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within the MTA's offices and agencies, and to build and maintain intra-agency contacts. Required


• Ability to communicate, collaborate and/or negotiate with external agency counterparts, which may include Federal, State, NY City and/or other local government agency staff and officials. Required


• Strong organizational, negotiating, and drafting skills. Required


• Ability to identify creative, business-oriented solutions to legal and business risks. Required


• Budget responsibility in prior experience. Preferred


• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures Preferred

Licenses & Certifications:

• Admission to the New York State Bar Upon Hire Required

Additional Licenses & Certifications:

• Admission to the New York State Bar Upon Hire Required

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
How to Apply:
For Internal Applicants:
Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.
For External Applicants:
Visit www.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”.
Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.
Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package:
Transportation & Financial Benefits

• Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.


• Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance plans.


• Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.


• Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

• Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.


• Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

• Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.


• Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.


• Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.