Land Use Attorney - Hybrid

Land Use Attorney - Hybrid

Company Overview

We are deeply rooted in the New Jersey legal community, with a history of providing innovative legal solutions to complex challenges. We boast a diverse team of over 75 skilled attorneys who have extensive experience in various legal fields, including government and regulatory affairs, real estate, labor law, health care, education, and many more. The firm's commitment to excellence is evident in its comprehensive range of practice areas, allowing attorneys to explore different fields and contribute meaningfully to clients' needs.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Land Use Attorney with expertise in New Jersey's regulatory and zoning landscape. This role requires proficiency in transactional real estate development, municipal advocacy, and litigation, with a focus on redevelopment, affordable housing, and public infrastructure projects. Standard hybrid work schedule is 3 days in office and 2 days remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Transactional & Regulatory Work
  • Prepare and present applications for zoning variances, site plan approvals, and subdivisions before NJ planning/zoning boards.
  • Negotiate and draft redevelopment agreements, PILOTs (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), and financial agreements under NJ's Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL).
  • Advise on compliance with NJ's Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), Fair Housing Act, and Mt. Laurel obligations for affordable housing.
  • Conduct due diligence for acquisitions, including environmental reviews (CAFRA, wetlands, NJDEP permits) and title/survey analysis.
• Public Entity & Municipal Representation
  • Serve as counsel to NJ municipalities, redevelopment agencies, and planning/zoning boards, guiding redevelopment designations and public bidding processes.
  • Draft ordinances, resolutions, and agreements for public-private partnerships involving state agencies.
  • Advise on compliance with Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), Local Public Contracts Law, and Pay-to-Play regulations.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution
  • Defend land use approvals and redevelopment decisions in NJ Superior Court, Appellate Division, and Office of Administrative Law (OAL).
  • Handle disputes involving eminent domain, Title 59 claims, construction defects, and broker commissions.
  • Represent clients in appeals of zoning denials or violations, including Mt. Laurel compliance challenges.

Qualifications

• NJ Bar admission; 5+ years of experience in NJ land use/zoning law.
• Demonstrated client-facing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and serve as a primary contact for municipal and private clients.
• Track record securing approvals for mixed-use developments, transit-oriented projects, or brownfield redevelopment.
• Experience drafting redevelopment agreements, tax abatement terms, and financial agreements.
• Familiarity with NJ's environmental regulations (CAFRA, Flood Hazard Area Control Act).

Benefits

• Competitive Salary ($150k-$200k+ depending on experience)
• Health, vision, dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401k