Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building sustainable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, and Maryland, Fairstead owns a portfolio of more than 25,000 apartments across 28 states that includes 17,000 units under management. Fairstead’s commitment to communities is realized through a comprehensive platform that leverages in-house expertise in acquisitions, development, design and construction, asset management, and property management.

Fairstead’s primary mission is to provide high quality housing to all regardless of income, and to make our stakeholders feel “Right at Home.” We accomplish this through an empathetic and innovative approach, and by utilizing our interdisciplinary platform as an investor, developer, owner, and operator.

Fairstead’s Core Values: Empathy, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Determination & Integrity

The legal team at Fairstead manages a diverse and impactful workload centered on multifamily real estate, with a strong concentration on affordable housing, making the Associate General Counsel a crucial role. In this position, you will work closely with Fairstead staff and outside counsel on transactions primarily involving multifamily properties. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, you will lead negotiations for real estate acquisitions and financing across the country, with a particular focus on affordable housing and community development.

Candidates should have experience in complex commercial real estate transactions, specifically representing developers and investors in multifamily housing. A passion for housing and community development is essential. Familiarity with federal and state affordable housing programs and regulations—including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and Section 8 investments—is desirable. Experience with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae programs is a bonus.

Responsibilities:

• Draft and negotiate purchase agreements to facilitate the acquisition and development of multifamily properties with a focus on affordable housing.
• Independently oversee and manage complex multifamily real estate transactions.
• Draft and negotiate loan agreements, including those involving Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae financing, to support multifamily and affordable housing projects.
• Work closely with the development team to provide legal guidance on contracts and matters related to multifamily real estate transactions, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing.
• Negotiate construction documents, AIA documents, and other construction-related documents to ensure compliance and protect the interests of multifamily and affordable housing initiatives.
• Review and negotiate various agreements, including material contracts, settlement agreements, confidentiality agreements, and right-of-way agreements, with a focus on multifamily and affordable housing.
• Address legal inquiries and provide comprehensive legal advice to internal stakeholders on multifamily and affordable housing transactions and operations.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 6+ years of real estate transactional experience.
• Proven ability to independently oversee and close complex multifamily real estate deals, particularly those with an affordable housing component.
• Experience with multifamily and LIHTC properties and Section 8 subsidy programs preferred.
• Experience with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae financing programs is highly desirable.
• Strong drafting skills, with prior experience at a law firm.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, strong negotiating skills, and strategic thinking in all legal matters.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Capacity to thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial setting focused on multifamily and affordable housing development.

Diversity in backgrounds and experiences is key to Fairstead’s growth and success. Being an equal opportunity employer is a central tenet of our philosophy that shapes who we are and the communities we serve. Our goal is to ensure competitive total compensation that is commensurate with experience, location, and other market benchmarks. NYC Pay Range: $215,000 - $275,000