New

General Counsel

Vaco
$200,000.00 - $250,000.00 / yr
United States, New York, New York
May 06, 2026
Title: General Counsel (Real Estate)Client: Real EstateSalary Range: $200,000-$250,000 potential for bonusLocation: New York, NYPERMPreferred fully onsite but may potentially be open to hybrid opportunities We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Counsel to lead all legal functions for a growing real estate platform. This individual will serve as a key advisor to executive leadership, providing guidance on complex transactions, risk management, land use matters, and corporate governance while supporting continued growth across acquisitions, development, and asset management. Position Overview The General Counsel will oversee all legal aspects of real estate investments and operations, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, development, and land use. This role will partner closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel to efficiently structure and execute transactions while ensuring compliance and mitigating risk across the organization. Key Responsibilities Lead legal strategy for real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and financings Draft, review, and negotiate key agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, leases, and development contracts Advise executive leadership on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters Oversee corporate governance, entity structuring, and internal policies Manage land use, zoning, and entitlement matters across multiple jurisdictions Support leasing activities, including negotiation and execution of commercial leases Oversee litigation and disputes, partnering with outside counsel as needed Monitor changes in real estate law, zoning regulations, and compliance requirements Build and manage relationships with external legal partners and service providers Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) and active bar membership in good standing 6-10+years of legal experience with a strong focus on real estate transactions Background in a law firm and/or in-house legal role within real estate, private equity, or investment management Deep knowledge of commercial real estate law, including acquisitions, financing structures, joint ventures, and leasing Experience managing land use and zoning matters across multiple jurisdictions Strong negotiation, drafting, and problem-solving skills Ability to operate in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment Excellent communication skills and executive presence Preferred Experience Experience with vertically integrated real estate platforms Exposure to retail, industrial, or mixed-use portfolios Experience supporting both transactional and operational legal matters, including landlord and tenant-side leasing Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.