Associate General Counsel

Experience. Reputation. Excellence. Longevity. These are the hallmarks of Russo Development LLC. We are one of the most active, privately held developers of industrial, data center, residential, and mixed-use projects in northern New Jersey.

Over the past 50 years we have developed more than eight million square feet of premier commercial space, delivered approximately 3600 luxury apartment units, completed more than 60 industrial projects and have become one of the largest owners of data center space in the New York metropolitan area. Now in our second generation of leadership, our privately-owned firm continues to surpass the needs of our tenants and residents and partners as one of the most successful niche development companies in the marketplace. After years of growth and success Russo Property Management LLC was established in 2017 to provide the highest quality residential and commercial management services at all properties owned or under development.

If you are looking to join company that offers an EXCELLENT salary and benefits package, opportunity for career growth and a true people first culture, then Russo Development / Property Management may be for you!

We are seeking a well-rounded, self-starting, dedicated and loyal individual with high ethical standards that has the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The Associate General Counsel will actively collaborate with the legal team and company management on each project integral to the growth and success of the company. This position will be based out of our corporate office in Bergen County, NJ. Our legal team currently consists of two attorneys, two paralegals and a legal admin, and we hope to add a capable, experienced attorney to partner with our existing professional team on a wide variety of challenging and rewarding legal work.

Position Responsibilities:

• Identify and analyze legal issues and present clear recommendations to the CLO/General Counsel and executive team; the Position will report to the CLO/General Counsel, but will be expected and encouraged to develop independent communication and relationships with the management team on a project level.
• Draft and negotiate commercial lease agreements (including retail, office and warehouse), redevelopment agreements, and financial agreements.
• Negotiate, draft and review loan documents from the perspective of borrower, and manage commercial loan transactions from inception, through due diligence, closing, and post-closing.
• Review title commitments and surveys in the context of commercial development, and manage commercial purchase and sale transactions from inception, through due diligence, closing and post-closing.
• Obtain land use approvals for various types of company projects working closely with in-house and outside engineers and architects.
• Revise and draft construction agreements, including but not limited to: construction management agreements, subcontracts, easements, indemnity agreements, subordination agreements, hold harmless agreements.
• Manage and oversee outside counsel in any litigation involving the Company.
• Provide legal support as necessary for a Company affiliate, Russo Property Management residential property management division.
• Ability, aptitude and creativity to address the wide variety of work in our active in-house department, which serves the entire Company and affiliates, is critical.

• Juris Doctorate (JD) / Licensed in the State of NJ.
• 5-10 years of experience. Preferably a Partner or Jr Partner of a large firm or existing in-house experience.
• Commercial Financing Experience preferable.
• Commercial Retail Leasing preferable.
• Must have: Commercial real estate and corporate transactional background.
• Multifamily and/or industrial redevelopment experience a plus.
• Land use experience preferable.
• Keen business sense and financial acumen, with a desire to work in a business setting.
• Ability to handle pressure and looming deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, drafting ability and attention to detail – we are seeking a professional with a strong sense of personal responsibility and a desire to produce quality work.

EOE/M/F/D/V

**NO RECRUITER SOLICIATION**