Senior Counsel, Legal

About the role

Our Vision: To make New York City the global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth, fueled by the City's diverse people and businesses.

Position Overview

The Senior Counsel position provides legal support and representation in connection with NYCEDC's programs and projects. This role delivers practical, solution-oriented legal advice to internal stakeholders, represents NYCEDC's interests in complex transactions, and supports corporate governance and compliance across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex transactional matters across NYCEDC's portfolio, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of agreements such as contracts of sale, leases, licenses, permits, consultant and professional services agreements, funding and loan agreements, construction and development contracts, operating agreements, and related instruments.
• Advise on transactions involving real estate and economic development projects, including waterfront, transportation, maritime, capital and infrastructure investments, and financing and tax-exempt transactions for NYCIDA and Build NYC Resource Corporation.
• Represent NYCEDC in negotiations with developers, lenders, public agencies, consultants, and other third parties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and risk tolerance.
• Effectively communicate NYCEDC's legal and corporate policies to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage transactions through closing by coordinating with internal teams, external counsel and counterparties to ensure timely and accurate execution of project documents.
• Advise NYCEDC staff on legal, contractual, and corporate compliance matters, and support litigation and dispute-related issues in coordination with the New York City Law Department and other City agencies, as needed.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, guidance, and analyses on matters of law and policy for the General Counsel and NYCEDC staff.
• Prepare, review, and present materials for the Boards of Directors of NYCEDC, NYCIDA, and Build NYC Resource Corporation., as well as handle other corporate governance matters.
• Support litigation and dispute-related matters, including coordinating with internal stakeholders and outside counsel, developing case strategy, responding to discovery requests, and reviewing pleadings, filings, and other legal documents.
• Support the General Counsel on additional initiatives, including development of form agreements, program and policy development, corporate matters, and personnel matters, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school; active admission and in good standing with the New York State Bar required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of post-law school legal experience, with a focus on transactional practice in areas such as real estate, finance, construction, contracts, or related fields.
• Demonstrated communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts and concisely.
• Experience handling or supporting litigation matters, including case strategy, discovery, motion practice, negotiations, and coordination with outside counsel.
• Legal research, analysis, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Client service orientation and ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams.
• Proven ability to understand and manage complex, multiparty transactions.
• Advanced drafting and negotiation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision while exercising sound judgment.
• New York City residency is required within 180 days of hire.