Description:
Description:The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) is a state agency responsible for maintaining the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway - two of the busiest toll roads in the United States. The NJTA is dedicated to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods along their toll roads. Every day, the Authority's highways provide the safest, quickest, and most convenient routes for hundreds of commuters, truckers, and recreational travelers.
Our Mission:
We are committed to constantly improving the safety, technology, and resiliency of our toll roadway systems through sound fiscal policy and maintaining an excellent state of good repair that promotes the connectedness of our customers across the state and region.
Position:
The NJTA is currently seeking applications for a Real Estate Attorney position in our Law department located at our Woodbridge, NJ headquarters building.
The Attorney serves as in house counsel within the Department of Law, providing legal guidance and oversight for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority's (the “Authority”) real estate matters. This position manages real estate transactions, prepares and negotiates related agreements, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The role supports the Director of Law and collaborates closely with internal departments, outside counsel, and consultants to facilitate efficient and legally sound real estate project execution.
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Director of Law in providing legal guidance to Authority leadership and staff regarding real estate issues and related matters.
- Manage and oversee Authority real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, surplus sales, easements and development projects.
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of real estate contracts, including purchase and sale agreements, leases, construction-related documents, and other transactional contracts.
- Advise on real estate matters involving zoning, land use, environmental considerations, and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, outside counsel, and external stakeholders to support timely and efficient completion of real estate transactions.
- Work with outside counsel on specialized matters or complex transactions as needed.
- Review title documentation, identify and address title issues, and collaborate with title companies to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Partner with engineering staff and consultants to address technical considerations associated with property development, infrastructure and Authority projects.
- Conduct due diligence, including review of surveys, environmental reports, and compliance documents.
- Assess and help manage risk exposure in the Authority's real estate activities, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and mitigation of potential liabilities.
- Prepare periodic reports and updates to the Director of Law and other project team members regarding the status of transactions, risks, and strategic recommendations.
- Provide additional legal services or support as assigned by the Director of Law, including coordination with retained outside counsel on real estate matters.
This list is not exhaustive; additional tasks may be assigned as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of New Jersey.
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience in real estate law, including transactional work and contract negotiation.
- Strong knowledge of real estate law, title review, zoning, land use and related regulatory frameworks.
- Experience collaborating with title companies, engineering professionals and consultants, real estate professionals and outside counsel.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple transactions and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Prior in-house, public sector, or infrastructure-related experience is preferred but not required.
- Must possess a valid New Jersey driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency with legal research, document-management/productivity tools; familiarity with right-of-way or property management service (such as PAECETrak or similar systems) is a plus.
- Experience managing outside counsel or working collaboratively on complex real estate transactions, particularly within transportation, infrastructure, or public-sector environments, is highly valued.