General Counsel

Job Purpose

The General Counsel is responsible for providing overall legal leadership and strategic guidance to the organization, with a primary focus on real estate law and compliance. This role oversees all legal matters related to real estate transactions, corporate governance, and business operations. The General Counsel ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, mitigates organizational risk, and supports company growth through effective legal strategy and counsel.

Essential Functions

Real Estate Law & Transactions

• • Provide legal counsel for real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, development and financing.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts such as purchase agreements, leases, easements, and property management agreements.

Compliance & Risk Management 

• • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local real estate laws, zoning requirements, environmental standards, and land-use regulations.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across real estate portfolios and business operations.

Corporate Governance

• • Advise executive leadership and the Board on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and policy development.
  • Draft and maintain bylaws, resolutions, and other governance documents.

Contract Management 

• • Oversee drafting, negotiation, and execution of all real estate and general business contracts.
  • Ensure all contracts align with organizational objectives and legal requirements.

Litigation Oversight

• • Manage all litigation and disputes involving real estate, including title issues, construction defects, and landlord-tenant matters.
  • Coordinate and supervise external counsel to achieve favorable outcomes and cost control.

Due Diligence & Transactions

• • Conduct legal due diligence for aquisitions, mergers, and strategic partnerships.
  • Evaluate and communicate potential legal risks and compliance gaps.

Cross-Funcational Collaboration

• • Partner with internal departments (Finance, Operations, Development, Construction) and external entities (brokers, lenders, and agencies) to support business objectives.

Policy & Advocacy

• • Monitor and interpret new real estate laws and regulatory changes; advise leadership on business impacts and compliance strategies.
  • Represent the organization with government bodies and industry associations as needed.

Leadership & Team Development

• • Lead, mentor, and develop in-house legal staff, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence.
  • Manage external counsel relationsjips and oversee legal budgets effectively.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Uphold the mission, core values, and brand standards of the company by ensuring all Human Resource practices reflect integrity, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Performs other projects/duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in good standing with a state bar association.
  • Minimum 8-10 years of legal experience, including at least 5 years in real estate law
  • Demonstrated expertise in real estate transactions, development, leasing, and regulatory compliance.
  • Proven leadership and ability to provide practical legal advice to executive and operational stakeholders.
  • Strong negotiations, analytical, and written communication skills.

Preferred

• • Experience in commercial or residential real estate, REITs, or development law.
  • Familiarity with corporate, securities, or employment law.
  • Prior in-house experience with a real estate-focused company or firm.

Success Factors

• Legal Expertise & Integrity: Consistently provides accurate, ethical, and strategic legal counsel that supports business growth.
• Risk Management: Anticipates and mitigates potential legal and operational risks effectively.
• Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong partnerships with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Leadership & Accountability: Demonstrates sound judgement, discretion, and commitment to organizational excellence.

Work Requirements

• This position is based at the Baltimore Support Center and may require occassional on-site presence for meetings, legal proceedings, trainings, or visit to store locations.
• The physical demands of this role are limited but may include extended periods of driving, along with occassional light bending and lifting.