NYC Real Estate Attorneys: Are You Getting the Recognition and Compensation You Deserve?
The NYC real estate legal market is shifting rapidly. Attorneys with books of business and governance expertise are re-evaluating their firms, seeking better compensation, clearer partnership paths, and stronger platforms. Discover why now is the time to explore your market value—and which firms are rewarding top talent.
The New York City real estate legal market is evolving fast. Over the last 18 months, lateral moves among real estate attorneys—from associates to partners—have surged dramatically. The question is: are you positioned to maximize your career growth, compensation, and client leverage? Or are you stuck in a firm that isn’t giving you what you deserve?
As a seasoned legal recruiter specializing exclusively in NYC real estate law, I see a clear pattern: talented attorneys are reassessing their current platform, compensation, and partnership prospects—and making moves when their firm no longer supports their goals.
Why Are Real Estate Attorneys Moving Now?
1. Compensation Gaps Are Widening
Many firms lag in rewarding attorneys fairly for their book of business and client origination. If your firm isn’t crediting you properly for your contributions, there are platforms out there ready to offer you significantly more.
2. Ambiguous Partnership Tracks Hurt Ambition
Clear, transparent, and timely advancement to partner is a must. Attorneys are leaving firms with slow or uncertain equity tracks for those offering day-one partner titles—and the status and leverage that come with it.
3. Lack of Origination Support
Building your book is only half the battle. The right platform provides the systems, internal referrals, and business development resources to help you grow it exponentially. Firms without these supports are losing rainmakers.
4. Market Specialization Matters
Generalist firms or boutiques that don’t focus deeply on real estate law often cannot provide the network or infrastructure that real estate attorneys need to thrive.
Where Are the Opportunities?
Top New York City firms are expanding aggressively, offering:
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Immediate partner titles
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Structured origination credit and bonus plans
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Strong support for governance, co-op/condo, and zoning specialists
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Platforms geared for both litigation and high-level transactional work
Some firms gaining momentum include Adler & Stachenfeld, Belkin Burden Goldman (BBG), and Warshaw Burstein, all of which have been actively recruiting lateral partners and senior associates.
Is It Time for Your Next Move?
Even if you’re not actively looking, a confidential conversation can reveal whether you are truly maximizing your market value. The right platform can transform your practice, accelerate your trajectory, and provide compensation that matches your impact.
Let’s Talk Confidentially
If you want to understand where the market is heading, who is paying top dollar, and how your book and expertise can leverage a better opportunity, I’m here to help.
Reach out confidentially to discuss your career goals and learn which firms are aligned with your growth ambitions.