Associate Real Estate Counsel

Our company remains guided by its experience and ability to create long-term value in strategically focused markets. We continue to attract the best talent in the industry and remain focused on growing our organization with talented professionals along with our assets. Westminster is stronger than ever, and we stand poised for continued growth with our valued partners. Our mission is to go above and beyond to build thriving communities and exceptional experiences for our residents, guests, tenants, and teams. Our values represent what we strive to achieve every day. Every decision we have to make is guided by the "4 Be's". Be best in class. Be Solution-Oriented. Be Accountable. Be caring.

JOB SUMMARY:
As a member of our dynamic and fast-paced legal group you must be a business focused and self-starter, who is a team player and has the ability to define and distill complex legal issues, identify and evaluate legal and business risks, recommend a course of action, and develop solutions and solve problems. The position is responsible for completely managing all assigned initiatives on his/her behalf. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

RESPONSIBILITIES:
General Company Matters

• Actively work to make sure that we are positioned to preemptively avoid litigation and risk and advise on potentially risky matters.
• Manage and work with outside counsel regarding various other Company matters.
• Assist with duties and projects as directed by the Chairman, CEO, CFO, COO, and General Counsel and work with all departments in the Company, including acquisition, accounting, IT, risk management, marketing and tax on various legal issues and general compliance.
• Create and monitor legal entities.

Acquisition

• Assist General Counsel and outside real estate counsel on various real estate transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions,
• Draft LOIs for new acquisitions and joint ventures,
• Review and negotiate purchase and sale agreements.

Financing

• Assist with all aspects of financings, including drafting and negotiating agreements and facilitating closings.

Corporate

• Draft operating agreements and other constituent documents for entities.
• Manage corporate filings, resolutions, and other internal corporate requirements.

Commercial Leasing

• Draft and negotiate leases, license agreements and amendments with commercial tenants.

Development

• Assist development team in legal matters that arise during various stages of development projects.

Asset & Property Management

• Act as legal counsel for Westminster Management, L.L.C., the property management arm for the Company’s multi-family and commercial portfolio.
• Work with property and regional managers on legal matters relating to properties.

Litigation

• Manage various litigations handled by outside counsel through the process and reporting to all appropriate parties and provide regular updates.
• Work with risk management team on real estate insurance claims/related risk management matters.

Human Resources

• Work with HR to manage and prevent any and all employment related legal matters.
• Ensure that appropriate processes are in compliance with the Company’s real estate policies and local laws.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of 3-4 years of relevant experience is required
• Bachelor’s degree and JD required
• Experience working in (or with) a large NY Real Estate law firm and/or company.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to solve problems
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ability to deliver concise, accurate reports and analysis to senior management
• Excellent organizational skills
• Requires a solid grasp of business concepts, solid judgment, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent Excel skills and Microsoft Word skills
• Requires ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks within a defined time period
• Requires excellent interpersonal skills and a team player
• Requires ability to meet deadlines and work in a structured corporate environment
• Requires high degree of ethics and integrity
• Requires ability to maintain confidentiality of all company and customer information

We're an equal opportunity at will employer, an equal housing provider, and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.