General Counsel

Kraus-Anderson offers an opportunity to make an immediate impact with an industry leader!

Company

For more than a century, Kraus-Anderson has been transforming the American landscape, Founded in 1897 and privately owned and managed by the Engelsma family for over 75 years, Kraus-Anderson provides innovative, collaborative services to clients coast to coast, including commercial real estate development and management, construction,  and risk management. We’re people building buildings, businesses, and relationships. 

Position Summary

The General Counsel will partner with Kraus-Anderson senior leadership to develop and implement legal strategy, will act as the manager of Kraus-Anderson’s in-house Legal Department, and will provide legal services with an emphasis on real estate and construction matters.  

Kraus-Anderson is an integrated enterprise providing construction, development, real estate leasing and management, and insurance services.   Kraus-Anderson’s real estate portfolio consists of over 90 commercial properties comprising approximately 5 million square feet of retail, office, residential and industrial/flex properties.   Kraus-Anderson Construction Company is consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record among the top 20 construction firms in the Midwest.

Kraus-Anderson’s Legal Department is currently comprised of four attorneys and two support staff.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Real Estate

• Advise Kraus-Anderson on legal issues relating to the Company’s real estate portfolio, including:
  • Purchase and Sale of Properties.  Review, draft, negotiate, and approve all contracts for purchase and sale of properties; work with Kraus-Anderson Realty Company to review and satisfy all requirements of these agreements (including due diligence, title review, and closing).   
  • Loan Transactions.   Review, draft, negotiate, and approve all documents for loans to any Kraus-Anderson entity; advise Company on compliance with loan requirements.
  • Commercial Leasing.   Review, draft, and negotiate commercial leases; draft, review, and approve template forms of lease agreements.
  • Property Management. Work with Kraus-Anderson Realty Company to resolve disputes with tenants; provide oversight of real estate tax appeals and collection matters; draft, file and serve eviction actions as requested; advise company on environmental, land use, zoning, eminent domain, bankruptcy, and related matters associated with commercial real estate ownership.
  • Claims against the Company:   Work with Kraus-Anderson Realty Company to review, defend, and resolve claims by tenants and other third parties.
  • Claims by the Company:   Recommend and implement legal strategy for claims by the Company.  
    
    
• Advise Kraus-Anderson on legal issues relating to real estate development, including the issues identified above as well as:
  • Joint Venture/Operating Agreements: Review, draft, and negotiate Joint Venture/Operating Agreements with business partners. 
  • Government Approvals and Entitlements: Collaborate with Kraus-Anderson Development Company to obtain all required approvals and entitlements; negotiate and/or advise on negotiations with state and local government authorities. 
  • Project Contracts:  Review, draft, and negotiate architects and engineers, construction, property management, and other project-related contracts. 

Construction

• Advise Kraus-Anderson Construction Company on legal issues relating to the Company’s construction operations, including:
  • Contracts:  Review, draft, and negotiate Owner Contracts and Subcontracts; advise on Kraus-Anderson template forms of contract; enforce contracts with subcontractors and owners; insurance review and enforcement for Kraus-Anderson and subcontractors; review, draft, and negotiate joint venture agreements.
  • Claims by the Company:   Draft and file mechanic’s liens; draft and serve demand notices to defaulting subcontractors and their insurers; work with Kraus-Anderson team regarding notices of default.
  • Claims against the Company:  Review, defend, and resolve claims against Kraus-Anderson, including workers’ compensation; commercial general liability; professional; pollution; subcontractor default; breach of contract; and governmental.  Participate in claim reviews with Kraus-Anderson’s insurers.  
  • Labor Agreements:  Review and negotiate certain terms of collective bargaining agreements as part of Kraus-Anderson’s labor agreement negotiating team; review and negotiate Project Labor Agreements.
  • Bonding:  Review, negotiate, and approve indemnity agreements with sureties for Kraus-Anderson; review subcontractors’ bonds when requested; assert and defend bond claims.
  • Safety:  Work with Kraus-Anderson’s Safety Department regarding drafting of safety policies; respond to and settle claims of OSHA violations; review drug and alcohol testing policies.

General

• Manage Kraus-Anderson’s in-house Legal Department, including department budgeting and strategic planning of department priorities, staffing, training and development, resources, and technology.  
  • Review and implement Kraus-Anderson’s records retention policies and procedures.
  • Retain and oversee outside counsel as needed.  
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Juris Doctorate, with an active license to practice law in MN.
• 15+ years of legal experience in the real estate, development, and construction industries.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• The ability, and willingness, to set and communicate high standards for executives and staff and to hold people accountable for their performance.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to use time productively, maximize efficiency and meet challenging work goals.
• Ability to maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Ability to possess and maintain exceptional work ethic as well as uphold company values and demand the highest standard of conduct from self and others.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Other:

• Valid Driver's License and ability to maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record. 
• Travel when required

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential functions section to include items such as ability to:

• Clearly communicate information (both written and verbal) to colleagues and key stakeholders 
• Stand and/or sit in a stationary position for extended periods of time; 50%+
• Use a computer/laptop/iPad in open office environment with natural and/or florescent lighting
• Navigate between office building floors, and on occasion, attend off-site meetings 
• Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Why KA?

We offer a challenging, rewarding, and supportive environment where employees are positioned to make a positive impact on our business, our communities, and their own future. 

We believe in building leaders. KA offers a wide range of enrichment and professional growth opportunities through KA University and community service opportunities through our KA Has Heart Volunteer Program.

KA offers full time employees (30+ hours) a significant Total Rewards package including:

• Medical insurance Plan Options
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Wellness Program
• KA University Training and Development
• Fitness Center, KA corporate headquarters, Minneapolis
• 401(k) Plan
• Company sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Company sponsored Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Time Off including vacation, sick and holiday pay
• Workplace Flexibility
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Military Leave for Active Reserve Duty
• Part time/Transition Options
• Free Parking 

Along with our employer sponsored plans, we also offer an array of Voluntary Benefits and other perks.

MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT