Senior Associate Attorney

Location: Albany or Buffalo, NY • Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

CHW is seeking a Senior Associate Attorney with 6+ years of relevant experience who is interested in sophisticated, mission-driven transactional real estate work. You'll represent developers, investors, lenders, syndicators, and nonprofit organizations in the acquisition, financing, development, and preservation of multi-family affordable and mixed-use residential, commercial, and historic preservation real estate projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in affordable housing, community development, commercial lending, real estate law, tax law, not-for-profit law and/or public housing law, or a strong real estate transactional background and a genuine interest in transitioning into affordable housing and community development.

Responsibilities

• Represent developers, owners, and investors in all aspects of complex real estate projects, including historic preservation projects, new markets tax credit projects, brownfield redevelopment projects, and affordable housing developments financed by tax credit equity, tax-exempt municipal bonds, and subsidized and traditional debt.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts of sale, operating and joint venture agreements, equity documents, loan documents, regulatory agreements, and other documents related to commercial real estate development, historic preservation, and affordable housing transactions, most utilizing various tax credit programs (historic, new markets, affordable housing, brownfield, and/or energy credits).
• Perform high-level legal due diligence document review on behalf of real estate developers and investors.
• Communicate and build relationships with clients, lenders' counsel, agencies' counsel, title companies, and other parties.
• Lead transactions through all phases of the deal lifecycle, from initial structuring through closing, with partner guidance and support.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in commercial real estate, real estate finance, affordable housing law, community development, tax law, or not-for-profit law; or 6+ years of strong real estate transactional background and genuine interest in transitioning into affordable housing and community development.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and client counseling skills.
• Strong document drafting, review, and editing abilities.
• Strong analytical skills, commitment to excellence, and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines and thrive in a collaborative fast-paced environment.
• Admitted or eligible for admission to the New York State Bar.

Why Join CHW

• Work on impactful projects that preserve historic properties, create economic opportunities, and provide affordable housing for underserved communities while advising leading developers and investors.
• Represent prominent developers and tax credit investors on significant affordable housing and community development projects throughout the country.
• Join a collaborative team where partners are actively engaged in mentorship and training of associates, supporting long-term professional growth.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare options and 401(k).
• Paid vacation and a supportive working environment that emphasizes work-life balance.
• Annual holiday gifts and merit bonus opportunities.

Culture & Values

CHW is built on a foundation of teamwork and professionalism. Our attorneys and professional staff are creative and collaborative. We invest in our team members through hands-on training and direct mentorship, creating a supportive environment where professionals at every level can grow and thrive in an environment built on mutual respect and shared success.

Pay

$160K–$215K