Residential Rent Regulatory Attorney

About the Role

This is a full-time attorney role at a nationally recognized, New York-based real estate law firm that is widely considered the top real estate firm in the country. The firm is in active growth mode, and this seat reflects genuine demand for a skilled regulatory attorney who can handle sophisticated NYC residential rent regulatory matters for owners and developers, from DHCR proceedings through complex acquisition due diligence, tenant buyouts, building vacates, and demolition projects. Billable hours minimum is 1,800 per year, which runs well below Big Law expectations, and the firm offers a real origination credit structure so your book of business directly rewards you.

The ideal candidate has between 4 and 10 years of experience in NYC residential rent regulatory law and a genuine command of the Rent Stabilization Law, ETPA, and HSTPA frameworks. Tenure and commitment matter here: the average attorney stays close to 11 years, and the firm wants someone who is coming to build, not to pass through. Prior real estate background before or alongside law school is a meaningful plus. A portable book of business is not required for this role, but candidates who bring one will be recognized accordingly.

Key Responsibilities

1. Handle DHCR proceedings including owner applications, tenant complaints, and administrative appeals
2. Advise owners and developers on rent regulatory due diligence for acquisition and development projects
3. Represent clients in assemblage sites, tenant buyouts, building vacates, and demolition matters
4. Apply working knowledge of the Rent Stabilization Law, ETPA, and HSTPA to client counseling and strategy
5. Identify and pursue business development opportunities with firm support and full origination credit
6. Collaborate across practice groups to serve clients whose needs span regulatory and transactional matters
7. Maintain a minimum of 1,800 billable hours annually while managing a varied and active caseload

Required Skills & Experience

• 4 to 10 years of experience in NYC residential rent regulatory law; strong 4-year candidates who fully check every box will be considered
• Active admission to practice law in the State of New York
• Demonstrated experience with Rent Stabilization Law, ETPA, and HSTPA
• Consistent tenure at prior firms; candidates with a pattern of moves every one to two years are not a fit, though documented circumstances such as firm mergers or a departing supervising partner will be considered when explained clearly in a cover letter
• Strong academic credentials and a real estate background
• U.S. work authorization without visa sponsorship; open to U.S. citizens and green card holders only

Preferred Skills

• Prior real estate experience before or during law school, such as property management, brokerage, or related roles
• Existing client relationships or a portable book of business (minimum $500K in portables elevates consideration to member-track)
• Experience advising on due diligence for complex acquisition or development projects
• Familiarity with assemblage, vacate, and demolition representation