Pre-Law Clerk

Job Title: Pre-Law Clerk, Two-year Program

Location:Hybrid (4 days onsite), New York City

Start:Summer 2027

THE OPPORTUNITY

Planning to go to law school and curious about commercial real estate? Join the legal and compliance department of a global commercial real estate services firm and provide legal support and problem-solving to Newmark's U.S.-based managers and real estate professionals.

This two-year role is designed for motivated recent graduates who plan to attend law school and want meaningful, hands-on experience first. It offers a real start to a legal career: hands-on commercial real estate contract drafting and negotiation, direct mentorship from experienced attorneys, and a front-row seat to how one of the industry's leading firms does business.

The practice of law is also changing. AI tools now handle much of what is used to fill a new paralegal's day, such as populating forms and running first-pass reviews of routine NDAs, under attorney supervision. Our team uses AI throughout its work, and you will help us put it to good use. You will leave knowing how to apply it to legal work with sound judgment, a skill set that will set you apart in law school and in the profession.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contract work: Work alongside attorneys to review, draft, and negotiate commercial real estate agreements, including brokerage, listing, engagement, confidentiality, and vendor agreements.

• Legal research and writing: Research legal questions and prepare memos, summaries, and correspondence that support the advice attorneys give to the business.

• Pre-litigation and litigation management: Support attorneys in handling disputes from first notice through resolution, including preparing correspondence, coordinating with outside counsel, and tracking deadlines and case materials.

• M&A and diligence: Assist with due diligence reviews, document organization, and transaction support for acquisitions and other corporate transactions.

• Strategic projects: Take on special projects that support the legal department's and the business's priorities, working with attorneys and business leaders.

• AI-assisted legal work: Use AI tools to prepare first drafts, markups, summaries, and correspondence from our templates, standard positions, and precedent, then review and improve that work under attorney supervision.

• Building and adopting AI tools: Help design and refine AI skills (reusable workflows for recurring tasks) and help colleagues adopt new tools while tracking time saved and adoption.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: A bachelor's degree (completed or expected by May/June 2027) in any major.

• Interest in a legal career: You plan to attend law school and want to understand the profession before you start.

• Interest in commercial real estate: You are drawn to the industry, whether that shows up in coursework, internships, or simply following how deals, cities, and markets work, and you want to learn how real estate transactions come together from the legal side.

• Strong writing: Clear, precise writing is the foundation of good legal drafting.

• Attention to detail and communication: Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.

• Discretion: Sound judgment with confidential information, including when working with AI tools.

• Curiosity about technology: You are interested in AI and comfortable learning new software quickly. You do not need to be a technologist.

• A builder's mindset: When you see a task done the same way over and over, you think about how to make it repeatable.

• Fast-paced environment: The ability to manage multiple tasks and an enthusiasm for rolling up your sleeves, learning, and developing new skills.

Preferred

• Coursework: Law, public policy, political science, philosophy, economics, data analysis, or computer science.

• Prior exposure: Legal work and/or real estate.

• Generative AI experience: Experience using generative AI tools, including building something with them, such as a custom assistant, an automated workflow, or a personal or class project.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a short-written response (no more than one page) to the following prompt:

What draws you to a legal career and to commercial real estate, and what do you hope to learn from two years in an in-house legal department? 

If you have used AI to build something or improve a process, we would love to hear about that too.

We want to see your own thinking and your own writing.

COMPENSATION

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 annually. The actual base salary will be determined on an individualized basis taking into account a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, and, where applicable, licenses or certifications held. In addition to base salary and a competitive benefits package (including health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching), this position may be eligible for additional types of compensation including discretionary bonuses and other short- and long-term incentives (e.g., deferred cash, equity, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal working conditions with the absence of disagreeable elements.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Newmark is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.