General Counsel

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.