Legal Support Specialist

Under the supervision of the Senior Manager - Legal, the Legal Support Specialist works alongside other members of the Legal Services team in the day-to-day management of legal issues associated with the ownership and operation of the Company’s multi-family residential communities. Work will involve independently responding to legal inquiries from regional and on-site team members  and assisting with the preparation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of legal policies, procedures, lease documents and other applicant and resident-facing materials. This position will interact with all members of the Legal Services team, as well as property management and investment team members, and employees in various corporate departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting the multi-family industry, with special focus on markets where the Company operates.
• Assumes an active role on the Legal Support team, which has primary responsibility for providing advice on day-to-day legal issues to on-site and regional team members, including resident disputes and questions, lease and document interpretation and review, and ensuring the Company’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• As assigned, processes and maintains revisions and modifications to applicant and resident-facing materials (i.e. applications, lease documents, etc.), and other operational policies, procedures, reference materials  and forms; partners with other members of the Legal Services team to develop and revise such materials and maintains a mechanism for tracking and archiving document and policy changes over time.
• Actively participates in testing scenarios, pilot programs, and other roll-out strategies established in connection with Property Operations initiatives.
• Independently responds to a variety of fact-specific inquiries and requests for legal assistance generated by regional, on-site, and corporate team members across all disciplines (e.g., property management, property operations, portfolio management/investments, the central business group, and internal audit). 
• Monitors the activities of regional and on-site team members and participates in the development and distribution of property management and operational policies, procedures and forms to help streamline property management processes and to ensure that the Company’s apartment communities are being operated and managed in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
• Researches and analyzes facts presented, under the supervision of the Legal Support Senior Manager, and identifies relevant legal issues, researches applicable laws, and formulates advice; escalates issues, when appropriate, to other subject matter experts within the Legal Services team. 
• Operates with a high degree of independence, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively with minimal supervision.
• Takes initiative to identify and address Legal Support needs, proactively seeking solutions and making informed decisions within the scope of the role.
• Demonstrates self-direction in developing expertise and staying current on relevant laws and regulations impacting the multi-family industry.
• Regularly composes correspondence and other written responses to residents, EQR team members, attorneys and governmental agencies. 
• Maintains accurate and timely communications with internal and external clients.  
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times; consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor limit the Company’s right to assign other functions to an employee in this position.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge/Experience:

• 1-3 years experience in a law firm or in-house legal department preferred but not required.  Multi-family property management experience is preferred.  
• High school diploma or equivalency is mandatory.  College degree preferred.
• Must possess strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with all levels of management, residents and outside legal counsel.
• Must be flexible, detail-oriented and able to work effectively under deadline pressure.  Must be organized and able to prioritize workload, handle a large number of matters at one time and pursue assignments to completion.
• Must also maintain strict confidentiality as required. Critical thinking and attention to detail are also required.

Salary: $71,000 - $86,700 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary 10.5% annual bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

Highlights of the wellbeing benefits for Full-time employees include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, vision care and wellness programs
• Social Wellbeing: Paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits, adoption assistance
• Financial Wellbeing: Competitive Compensation, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, FSA/HSA, and company-paid life & disability insurance
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development, Tuition Assistance

Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Residential is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Equity Residential is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Equity Residential has a smoke-free workplace environment.