Description:

Job Summary:
DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, a mid-size, full-service firm in northern New Jersey, seeks an experienced attorneywith expertise in land use, real estate development and redevelopment law, with a primary focus on representation of government entities. Additional experience in real property taxation, environmental compliance, affordable housing and eminent domain is a plus factor. This role requires proficiency in transactional real estate development, local government entity governance and practice, with a focus on redevelopment, affordable housing, public infrastructure, public-private partnerships, eminent domain and real property taxation. The ability to handle or be part of the team on collateral litigation relating to these core practice areas would be a significant plus factor but is not required.

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 transactions relating to land use applications, redevelopment and PILOT agreements, including matters presenting an affordable housing component, including capacity to conduct environmental reviews (CAFRA, wetlands, NJDEP permits) and title/survey analysis.

Public Entity & Municipal Representation

Provide counsel to municipalities, redevelopment agencies, and planning/zoning boards relating to land use, redevelopment, PILOT agreements, eminent domain, real property taxation and associated practice areas.
Draft necessary organizational and governing documents, including ordinances, resolutions, and transaction agreements.
Advise public entities on compliance with key enabling legislation including, but not limited to, Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, Local Public Contracts Law, Open Public Meetings Act, Eminent Domain Act, among others.
Appear before or on behalf of public entities at public meetings.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Participate in litigation or collaterally support the litigation group in the defense of land use approvals, redevelopment designations, takings, tax levies and in response to affordable housing challenges, among others.

Qualifications:
Required:

NJ Bar admission; 10 years of experience in NJ land use/zoning law, redevelopment, and real estate law.
Demonstrated client-facing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and serve as 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).

Preferred:

Background in public entity representation (e.g., municipal attorney, planning board counsel).
Litigation experience relevant to core transactional areas of focus.
Knowledge of tax increment financing (TIF) and bond ordinances.

Compensation & Benefits: