Job Description

Leasing & Real Estate Counsel

Rochester OR Buffalo, New York - Hybrid

Insero Talent Solutions is recruiting for an experienced Senior Leasing Counsel to join the in-house legal team of an established, privately held commercial real estate organization with a diverse portfolio of properties and ongoing investment and development activity.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercial real estate attorney who enjoys negotiating sophisticated transactions, providing strategic legal guidance, and working closely with business leaders to support leasing and broader real estate initiatives. The position offers exposure to a variety of commercial property types and the opportunity to play an integral role in structuring transactions that support the organization's continued growth.

The Senior Leasing Counsel will work collaboratively with leasing professionals, internal legal colleagues, and cross-functional business teams to negotiate agreements, evaluate contractual obligations, and navigate complex real estate matters. This individual will serve as a trusted legal advisor, balancing risk management with practical, business-oriented solutions that support successful transactions and long-term business relationships. The ideal candidate is a commercially minded, detail-oriented attorney who brings strong transactional experience, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to independently manage complex matters in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Commercial Leasing & Transaction Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial leases, amendments, renewals, termination agreements, estoppels, SNDAs, waivers, and other related real estate documentation.
• Lead negotiations involving complex leasing arrangements, balancing contractual protections with practical business objectives.
• Structure and negotiate modifications to existing agreements throughout the lifecycle of tenant relationships.
• Support real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions through contract review, due diligence, and related legal documentation.

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Advise internal stakeholders on lease interpretation, contractual obligations, permitted uses, exclusivity provisions, operating requirements, and other complex lease terms.
• Evaluate legal and business risks associated with proposed transactions and recommend practical, solutions-oriented approaches.
• Assist with lease-related disputes, property rights, governmental initiatives, and other commercial real estate legal matters.
• Provide strategic legal guidance that supports informed business decisions while protecting the organization's interests.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Partnership

• Partner with leasing professionals and business leaders to develop negotiation strategies and facilitate successful transactions.
• Collaborate with development, construction, finance, property management, and other internal teams to address legal considerations across real estate activities.
• Communicate complex legal matters clearly and effectively to internal stakeholders and external transaction participants.
• Independently manage multiple transactions and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and established deadlines.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required, and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5+ years of commercial real estate transactional experience, with substantial experience drafting and negotiating commercial leases.
• Demonstrated ability to independently structure, negotiate, and manage complex commercial real estate transactions.
• Strong understanding of commercial leasing practices, contractual provisions, real estate documentation, and associated legal considerations.
• Experience advising business stakeholders on lease interpretation, contractual obligations, and transaction-related risk.
• Experience supporting a commercial real estate owner, developer, investor, or comparable organization preferred.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to balance legal considerations with practical commercial objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively with legal professionals, business leaders, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple transactions and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively resolve complex legal and transactional challenges.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to providing responsive, high-quality legal counsel.