General Counsel

Description

Overview:
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is seeking a seasoned In-House General Counsel to join our dynamic leadership team. This role will serve as the principal legal advisor across all aspects of the company’s operations, including commercial real estate, corporate governance, employment matters, risk management, and compliance. The Corporate Counsel will draft, negotiate, and manage a wide range of legal agreements to support the company’s continued growth, while aligning legal strategy with business objectives and mitigating risks across more than 100 employees and 1300+ agents. This is a high-impact, leadership-level position requiring strong judgment, proactive problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the real estate industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Real Estate & Commercial Transactions

• Draft, revise, and negotiate commercial real estate leases and sales agreements.
• Act as lead counsel on acquisitions, dispositions, and purchase and sale transactions.
• Manage legal and contractual compliance for development sites, including licenses, zoning, ADA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and review ancillary real estate documents (e.g., amendments, estoppels, NDAs).
• Negotiate exclusive listing agreements with developers and advise on commission structures.
• Support due diligence efforts for office expansion and development projects.

Corporate Legal Operations

• Advise executive leadership on legal risk, regulatory developments, and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain corporate records and ensure governance compliance for all legal entities.
• Develop and implement company policies and best practices.
• Handle corporate regulatory matters including franchise, licensing, insurance, and compliance with Sotheby’s International Realty brand requirements.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, service agreements, and equipment leases.

Dispute Resolution & Risk Management

• Resolve disputes with agents, landlords, developers, and contractors.
• Manage commission disputes, accounts receivables, and ethics complaints.
• Oversee and defend the company in administrative proceedings including arbitrations, DOS and MLS matters.
• Retain and supervise outside counsel as needed, and coordinate litigation and subpoena responses.

Employment & HR Legal Support

• Draft employment, separation, and NDA agreements.
• Advise on internal investigations, employee relations, and HR compliance matters.
• Partner with the HR team on policy development and employment best practices.

Training & Compliance

• Provide legal training and guidance to agents and managers on compliance, contract law, and fair housing regulations.
• Oversee licensing for corporate offices, branches, and agents.
• Ensure the company maintains effective insurance coverage.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school; strong academic credentials preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in Florida, or eligible for in-house registration.
• 5–7+ years of experience, with a focus on real estate, corporate law, and employment matters.
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; confident interfacing with all levels of leadership.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to operate independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience working with real estate affiliated services (title, mortgage, insurance) is a plus.
• Proven business judgment and ability to balance legal risk with operational goals.

Benefits

Job Type:

·         Full-time; the position will be performed in an office setting.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

·         Competitive base salary plus bonuses.

·         Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision.

·         Company 401(k) Plan

MDLV, LLC dba ONE Sotheby's International Realty is an Equal Opportunity Employer; participates in E-Verify and conducts background checks.