About the Role:

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (the “Port Authority”) Law Department seeks experienced, highly skilled transactional attorneys with exceptional contract drafting and negotiation expertise to join its 100-person team. This role is ideal for attorneys who are confident structuring deals and leading complex commercial transactions from inception through execution, and who possess drafting skills across a wide range of sophisticated agreements. The selected candidates will serve as key legal advisors on high-value, high-visibility matters that are central to the Port Authority’s mission and operations. Attorneys in this role will advise on a wide range of real estate transactions, procurement and commercial contract. 

Responsibilities: 

The primary responsibilities include structuring, drafting, negotiating, and advising on matters such as:

• Real Estate transactions, including complex lease agreements for Port Authority-owned and operated assets, ground lease and development agreements, interagency agreements, government approvals, licenses, permits and easements.
• Procurement and Commercial Contracts, including contracts for goods and services, maintenance and support agreements, construction contracts, financial contracts, technology contracts, indemnification and risk allocation provisions, intellectual property agreements, data sharing agreements, revenue and payment agreements, public-private partnership agreements, and confidentiality agreements.

The ideal candidates will be able to fully manage significant transactions, including all drafting and negotiation, provide real-time risk analysis, and deliver business-oriented and practical advice grounded in sound legal reasoning. This position reports to the Chief Business Counsel and will encompass handling transportation-related transactions, complex procurement matters, corporate governance issues, and internal approval processes.

Qualifications:

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

• Member of the Bar in good standing in relevant jurisdictions, including New York or New Jersey.
• At least 6+ years of relevant legal experience with emphasis on one or more of the following areas: general commercial transactions, real estate transactions, construction or procurement.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale transactions and serving as primary drafting counsel.
• Law firm training is strongly preferred but not required.

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

• Exceptional drafting ability, including the ability to craft clear, simple, and self-executing agreements across a wide variety of transactions.
• Experience structuring transactions and advising stakeholders on risk allocation.
• A proven track record of leading negotiations and bringing complex deals through execution.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical judgment.
• Proven track record to perform effectively under pressure and to reconcile competing priorities toward resolution.
• Ability to manage multiple high priority matters with a recognition of the intersection of public, business, and political components of work.
• Ability to think strategically and to act decisively while thoughtfully balancing and/or managing risk.
• Ability to take ownership of, and responsibility for, managing legal work on large, complex contracts with aggressive completion deadlines.
• Ability to operate in a constantly evolving complex legal environment while maintaining the highest ethical standards and integrity.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, One Drive, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word), Adobe Acrobat and familiarity with document/matter management systems.

Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:

Minimum: $ 120,978  Maximum: $197,652

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.