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Job Description
Description
Position: In-House Corporate Counsel
Location: Gaines Investment Trust Corporate Headquarters – La Jolla, CA
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Full-Time | On-Site
Gaines Investment Trust is a privately held, fully integrated real estate investment and management firm that owns and operates over 8,000 apartment homes across six states. With more than four decades of steady growth, we are known for our long-term commitment to excellence, strong company values, and collaborative work environment.
We are seeking a highly skilled and business-minded In-House Counsel to join our legal team at our corporate headquarters in La Jolla, CA. This position will serve as a key advisor to executive leadership and departmental teams, providing legal counsel across various matters, including real estate, corporate contracts, regulatory compliance, and landlord/tenant issues.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide legal advice and strategic guidance on a broad spectrum of issues affecting the business, including real estate operations, landlord/tenant law, employment matters, risk management, and regulatory compliance
- Draft, negotiate, and review a wide range of contracts, with a particular emphasis on specialty vendor agreements related to construction, capital improvements, marketing, technology, and facilities operations
- Advise internal stakeholders on legal risks and contractual obligations associated with vendor selection, performance, insurance requirements, indemnification, and dispute resolution
- Collaborate with various departments—including Property Operations, Construction, Maintenance, Marketing, and IT—to ensure contracts align with GIT’s risk tolerance and operational standards
- Oversee legal aspects of vendor onboarding, renewals, and enforcement, ensuring consistency and adherence to internal policies
- Monitor changes in federal, state, and local laws, particularly in jurisdictions where the company operates (e.g., California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Oklahoma), and advise the leadership team accordingly
- Manage and coordinate with outside counsel as needed, ensuring cost-effective and results-driven representation
- Support internal investigations, compliance initiatives, and occasional dispute resolution matters
Qualifications:
- Must be based in the San Diego, CA area
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school
- Active member in good standing with the California State Bar (additional bar admissions a plus)
- 4–8 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have served in an in-house role within real estate, property management, or a closely related industry
- Extensive experience drafting and negotiating vendor and service agreements, including contracts involving construction, consulting, and technology services
- In-depth knowledge of contract law, landlord-tenant regulations, and general corporate legal principles
- Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice to business leaders
- A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities
Why Gaines Investment Trust?
At GIT, we take pride in fostering a collaborative and principled work environment built on trust, long-term relationships, and a strong sense of purpose. As In-House Counsel, you will play an integral role in supporting the company's continued success, working directly with decision-makers to shape policies and manage legal matters that impact both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.
At GIT, we take pride in fostering a collaborative and principled work environment built on trust, long-term relationships, and a strong sense of purpose. As In-House Counsel, you will play an integral role in supporting the company's continued success, working directly with decision-makers to shape policies and manage legal matters that impact both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- A stable and respected company
