Fairstead is seeking an experienced Litigation Attorney to join our esteemed legal team, supporting our General Counsel with all property and corporate litigation matters. The Litigation Attorney takes a proactive approach to settlement negotiations, management and close out of litigation matter and provides guidance to all departments within the company. 

Who you are:  

A doer, ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in to the work. You enjoy independent work as well as working collaboratively to complete tasks You are not afraid of a fast paced, ever changing environment and are ready for an exciting challenge. 

As part of our team, you will leverage your prior work experience defending NY litigation matters from inception through trial/appeal. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Handle a diverse range of complex claims and commercial disputes, including contractor disputes, injury claims at properties, employee claims, and other related matters.
• Provide specialized expertise and strategic guidance in cases involving contractor disputes, ensuring effective resolution and minimizing legal risk for the company.
• Oversee appellate work and provide strategic guidance to the legal team on appeals arising from litigation matters.
• Collaborate effectively with the General Counsel (GC) and senior leadership to develop litigation strategies, provide legal advice, and align litigation objectives with overall business goals.
• Manage outside counsel and external resources, ensuring effective and efficient use of external legal services in cases involving contractor disputes, injury claims, and employee claims.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to various departments within the organization, assisting with contract reviews, risk assessments, and compliance matters related to contractor disputes, injury claims, and employee claims.
• Conduct thorough legal research, draft pleadings, motions, and other legal documents, and provide clear and concise legal analysis.
• Represent Fairstead in court proceedings, including hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials related to contractor disputes, injury claims, and employee claims (preferable but not required). 
• Stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and legal developments affecting the real estate industry and commercial litigation, with a focus on contractor disputes, injury claims, and employee claims.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar and in good standing.
• Minimum of 15 years of litigation experience, preferably with a focus on commercial disputes, including contractor disputes, injury claims at properties, and employee claims.
• Experience reviewing and evaluating insurance claims and cases to determine viable settlement options and potential risks associated with litigation. 
• In-depth knowledge of commercial litigation strategies, tactics, and best practices, particularly in relation to contractor disputes, injury claims, and employee claims.
• Extensive experience practicing in the New York State courts, including a strong understanding of local court rules and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex legal issues and provide practical solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate legal concepts effectively to both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building sustainable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and South Carolina, Fairstead oversees a $7.8 billion portfolio in assets and identified pipeline and owns and manages more than 170 communities across 28 states. Fairstead’s commitment to communities is realized through a comprehensive platform that leverages in-house expertise in acquisitions, development, design and construction, marketing, and property management. Fairstead also implements some of the industry’s most proactive sustainability, resiliency, and community impact programs to foster positive social, economic, and environmental change. In 2022, the company launched Fairstead Ventures, a proptech investment initiative dedicated to fundamentally changing the standards in the housing industry with a focus on energy and decarbonization.

Fairstead’s primary mission is to provide high quality housing to all regardless of income, and to make our stakeholders feel “Right at Home.” We accomplish this through an empathetic and innovative approach, and by utilizing our interdisciplinary platform as an investor, developer, owner, and operator. Fairstead provides hands-on expertise across all multifamily disciplines, including acquisitions, development, design, construction, energy, sustainability, property management and social services. With a long-term commitment to its residents, communities, and partners, the Fairstead team stands out by:

• Listening to and understanding the needs of its residents, communities, partners, and stakeholders alike
• Developing and preserving high quality affordable housing in an innovative and sustainable fashion
• Creating a positive social and environmental impact within the properties and communities it serves

Fairstead’s Core Values

• Empathy
• Innovation
• Entrepreneurship
• Determination
• Integrity