Corporate Counsel

General Description

The Corporate Counsel will provide legal services to support Conifer’s development, ownership and management of a large and growing portfolio of multifamily affordable housing properties. Will assist and support the Chief Legal Officer to develop and implement legal risk management strategies, providing oversight of contracts, litigation and transactional matters, including debt and equity financing for recapitalizations, acquisitions and new construction projects utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs). The role will work closely with other departments (Development, Asset Management, Property Management, Compliance) to recommend, develop and audit policies and procedures to mitigate risks to the company.

Location

• This position is Hybrid. Candidates must reside in Rochester, NY or within commuting distance to support required in-person presence. While some remote work is permitted, regular in-person office attendance is an essential function of the role. The Rochester Resource Center will serve as your base office. 

Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Monday - Friday

Description

+Manage all aspects of litigation involving the company, including commercial and construction disputes, landlord-tenant issues, employment matters and contract breaches

+Select and work closely with outside counsel to develop litigation strategies and control legal spend

+Evaluate claims, make recommendations regarding settlements and provide regular status updates to CLO and executive team+Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline and coordinate discovery processes

+Review and negotiate LOIs, purchase and sale agreements, debt and equity financing agreements and joint venture agreements

+Collaborate with outside counsel and third parties on due diligence reviews for property acquisitions and development projects, including title/survey, zoning, land use and environmental matters

+Assist with closing of investor buyout, disposition and refinancing transactions

+Draft, review and negotiate a wide variety of commercial contracts, including development agreements, construction contracts, vendor agreements and service contracts

+Advise business units on contract terms and make recommendations to ensure alignment with Conifer policies and mitigate risks to the company

+Draft and maintain contract templates and standard terms to ensure consistency company-wide.

+Conduct legal research on topics related to affordable housing, real estate and other regulatory matters and prepare memoranda analyzing impact on Conifer’s business and properties

+Advise business units on legal rights and obligations under financing, investment and regulatory agreements, obtain third-party consents and approvals, as needed

+Serve as a resource to the CLO on corporate structuring and governance issues

+Supervise filing of annual reports to keep entities in good standing, political contribution disclosures and semi-annual lobbying filings and trademark renewals

+Other legal projects and tasks, as assigned

Experience

+Minimum five (5+) years law firm or in-house experience with deep knowledge and demonstrated expertise in commercial real estate, real estate finance, affordable housing and/or property management

+Familiarity with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, tax-exempt bond financing and partnership taxation is preferred, but not required

+Proficient in legal research and writing, as well as experience making verbal presentations.

+Proficient MS Office Suite skills (Word, Outlook).

Education

+Juris Doctor

+Licensed to practice law in NY, NJ, MD, PA and/or VA (may consider other states)

 

+Effective communicator

+Demonstrated leadership skills

+Strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills with ability to meet deadlines

+Flexible – able to prioritize projects, address issues as they arise and adapt quickly when needed

+Able to exercise business professionalism and business judgment at all times

+Resourceful; effective research and problem-solving skills, able to “think outside the box”

+Able to work both independently and as part of a team

+Positive, outgoing attitude to fellow employees and third parties

Conifer Realty is a professional, service-oriented organization offering a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with excellent benefits that include ongoing training and development, 13 holidays, 15 days paid time off, 401K with company match, medical, HSA, dependent care Flex account, dental, vision; company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurances; and a wellness program.   

The salary rage for this position is $175,000.00 - $185,000.00. The actual compensation may vary depending on a wide range of factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, location, etc. This range does not include additional forms of compensation such as bonuses.   

APPLY TODAY via our website link: http://www.careersatconifer. com complete our application process and attach your resume. You will hear directly from the hiring manager on next steps in the process. Thank you for your interest in joining the Conifer Team!   

Conifer Realty LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran.