Corporate Counsel

About You:

You are a high achiever looking to thrive in a fast-paced environment. You take pride in your own work but are comfortable collaborating with a team of highly motivated individuals. You can communicate clearly and concisely with teammates and clients, and you enjoy strong company culture and camaraderie. You can navigate multiple corporate functions, including global lines of service and corporate centers of excellence. You possess strong interpersonal skills and are willing to take on diverse tasks to achieve the team’s common goal. You value personal and professional growth and are ready to take the next step in advancing your career.

If this sounds like you, well, then you will love the culture at Avison Young!

About Us:

Avison Young is a global commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm, offering transaction, management, financial and consulting services. We’ve designed our corporate structure to best serve our clients by enhancing collaboration across our organization.

We care about each other and we have each other’s backs. This makes AY a great place to be a client, and a great place to work. We support the whole person and their complete wellness – economic, mental and physical – because what’s best for our business comes from our people bringing their whole selves to work.

Avison Young is seeking an experienced attorney to expand its legal function.  The successful candidate will report to the Deputy General Counsel, North American Litigation & Employment.  On a project by project and/or assignment by assignment basis, the successful candidate will work closely with each of the company’s attorneys and business professionals.  Avison Young’s legal department currently consists of four attorneys in the U.S., one attorney in Canada, three attorneys in the U.K., an equity manager and a project specialist who support the company’s business functions across its global offices.  In addition, there are two lawyers and a paralegal in Canada who provide legal support to Avison Young clients.

The successful candidate will be based in Avison Young’s Chicago, Illinois office.

The base salary is aligned with market data and is estimated between $170,000 to $195,000 with the ability to achieve additional compensation through bonus.  This salary range reflects base compensation for the position across all US locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by work location and other factors including relevant education/training, experience, and internal equity.

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts in connection with various commercial real estate services, including brokerage, property management, project management and consulting
• Reviewing, preparing and negotiating contracts in connection with the company’s procurement of services from third parties
• Drafting and negotiating employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, consulting agreements, and ancillary employment-related documents
• Developing, reviewing and updating company policies, procedures and template agreements
• Conducting legal research as needed
• Investigating, analyzing, advising leadership on and resolving potential commercial claims or disputes in the manner most favorable to the company
• Initiating and managing collection-enforcement actions (including the preparation of demand letters)
• Defending claims and lawsuits in the most cost-effective and efficient way
• Retaining, collaborating with, and overseeing outside counsel

• At least 10 years of practice experience
• Experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and documents
• Experience managing and resolving commercial disputes and litigation
• In-house experience, relevant industry experience and/or experience as counsel to a professional services business
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple complex matters in a fast paced, high-energy environment while meeting deadlines
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight 
• Sound legal and business judgment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels within Avison Young and individuals outside of Avison Young
• Ability to communicate (both verbally and in writing) clearly, concisely and timely using plain English
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills
• Willingness to learn and take-on unfamiliar tasks

Avison Young practices as an equal opportunity employer in all services locations around the world.  We are committed to building and maintaining a workforce diverse in experience, skills and knowledge with uniformity in service excellence, commitment and integrity. 

The firm maintains a strict policy to ensure employment opportunities are equal and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, protected veteran or military service status, or any other elements protected by law.

For those requiring assistance with disabilities, information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. 

Avison Young is committed to employing the best talent with the most fair and equitable recruitment practices. Apply with us TODAY!