Sr. Associate Attorney - Land Use & Zoning

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Land Use & Zoning Associate Attorney to support developers, municipalities, and public entities on land use, zoning, and redevelopment matters. The ideal candidate will handle project permitting, municipal board appearances, due diligence, and transactional and litigation support related to real estate development.

Responsibilities

• Advising clients on land use, zoning, redevelopment, and real estate development strategies from project inception through approval and build-out.
• Preparing and filing permit applications, site plan and subdivision submissions, rezoning and variance applications, and related municipal filings.
• Representing clients before planning boards, zoning boards, zoning officers, municipal councils, and redevelopment agencies in hearings and negotiations.
• Drafting and negotiating redevelopment agreements, PILOT agreements, easements, covenants, and other land use-related transactional documents.
• Conducting land use due diligence and title review to identify development constraints, zoning compliance issues, and permit needs.
• Providing litigation support and, when needed, prosecuting or defending administrative appeals and enforcement actions related to zoning, permits, and municipal approvals.
• Cooking with case files, maintaining deadlines, and communicating effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and government agencies throughout the approval and appeals process.
• Contributing to business development by helping prepare proposals, client presentations, and by cultivating relationships with municipal officials and development professionals.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the New Jersey Bar required.
• 5+ years of experience practicing land use, zoning, redevelopment, or real estate development law; municipal practice experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with redevelopment matters, site plans, subdivisions, variances, rezoning, and municipal board practice.
• Familiarity with permitting processes, due diligence investigations, and drafting of redevelopment agreements and PILOT arrangements.
• Experience supporting or handling land use litigation and administrative appeals in New Jersey.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills; comfort presenting to boards and negotiating with municipal stakeholders.
• Able to coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams including planners, engineers, and environmental consultants.
• Excellent organizational skills, client-service orientation, and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines independently.
• Candidate with prior experience in general development projects, real estate transactions, and familiarity with local municipal procedures is preferred.

Pay

$210,000 - $230,000/year DOE

Schedule

Hybrid