Job Description

Ready to Lead High-Stakes Real Estate Transactions?

Underberg & Kessler LLP is seeking a skilled and confident Commercial Real Estate Associate Attorney with at least 7 years of experience to join our Real Estate & Finance Practice Group. This is a high-impact role for an attorney who thrives on deal-making, strategic advising, and client leadership.

Our clients include regional and national developers, financial institutions, municipalities, and growth-oriented businesses—and we’re looking for someone who can manage complex transactions from start to finish while serving as a trusted legal partner.

What You'll Do:

Real Estate Transactions

• Lead commercial acquisitions, dispositions, development, leasing, and financing
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of real estate contracts, including purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, easements, and leases
• Conduct comprehensive title and survey reviews and resolve encumbrance issues
• Oversee due diligence, including environmental, zoning, and land use compliance
• Manage the full lifecycle of real estate closings—from kickoff to compliance

Client Representation & Advisory

• Serve as lead counsel for developers, lenders, municipalities, and investors
• Provide strategic advice on risk mitigation, deal structuring, and regulatory matters
• Work directly with senior decision-makers and in-house legal teams
• Represent clients in development projects, including negotiations with municipal bodies

Team & Project Leadership

• Supervise and collaborate with paralegals, closing coordinators, and legal staff
• Partner with attorneys across practices (litigation, tax, corporate, trusts & estates)
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to the group’s knowledge-sharing culture
• Support business development initiatives and client-focused innovation

What You Bring:

• Minimum 7 years of commercial real estate law experience, ideally in a firm setting
• Admission to practice in New York State and a J.D. from an accredited law school
• Proven ability to lead deals, advise clients, and manage transaction teams
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and project management skills
• Bonus points for experience with tax credit financing, municipal approvals, or commercial leasing

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary with structured bonus potential
• 401(k) with profit sharing + employer contribution
• Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• 4 weeks PTO, plus 9 paid holidays
• Hybrid schedule available after onboarding
• Ongoing professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities

About Underberg & Kessler LLP

With a legacy of excellence spanning over a century, Underberg & Kessler is a full-service law firm deeply embedded in the business landscape of Western New York and beyond. We pride ourselves on our collaborative culture, high-stakes legal work, and long-term client partnerships. Here, your legal skills will not just be valued—they’ll help shape the future of our clients' success.

Underberg & Kessler LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Please submit your cover letter, references and resume to Leslie Helmerci, Legal Operations and HR Manager at lhelmerci@underbergkessler.com

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