Description:
Job Summary:As the Director of Legal & Real Estate for Your Local Pet Food Experts, you will be responsible for providing legal counsel, managing real estate transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance, resolving disputes, and being part of a team to support the organization's real estate activities. This role will also support the legal activities of the Company outside of Real Estate. Your expertise, judgment and leadership will be critical in safeguarding the company's interests and facilitating successful real estate transactions and operations.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Team Participation: Participate as team member with other professionals, including the Real Estate & Construction Teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure efficient and effective performance of all aspects of the company's real estate portfolio, including acquisitions, leasing, property management, and development.
- Performance feedback: Provide constructive feedback and facilitate professional development opportunities for team members.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Counsel and Advice:
- Provide expert legal advice and guidance on real estate matters to internal stakeholders, including executives, managers, and other departments.
- Interpret laws, regulations, and legal documents relevant to real estate transactions and operations.
- Offer strategic advice to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Oversee and manage real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, leases, and easements.
- Review and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents related to real estate transactions.
- Conduct due diligence investigations to identify any legal issues or potential risks associated with real estate transactions.
- Manage the transfer of titles and deeds for real estate properties.
- Review title reports, surveys, and other relevant documents to ensure clear title and identify any encumbrances or defects.
- Work with title companies, escrow agents, and other parties involved in title transfer processes.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing real estate transactions and property management.
- Stay informed about changes in real estate laws and regulations and advise stakeholders accordingly.
- Assist in obtaining necessary permits, licenses, and approvals for real estate projects.
- Represent Your Local Pet Food Experts in real estate-related litigation, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and other court documents.
- Negotiate settlements and resolutions of real estate disputes to minimize legal and financial exposure.
- Collaborate with other departments, such as finance, operations, and procurement, to address legal issues and support business objectives.
- Coordinate with external legal counsel, consultants, and experts as needed.
- Identify and assess legal risks associated with real estate transactions and operations.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies and implement controls to minimize legal exposure.
- Review insurance policies and advise on coverage related to real estate matters.
- Maintain accurate and organized records of real estate transactions, contracts, and legal correspondence.
- Draft and prepare legal documents, including deeds, leases, easements, and other agreements.
- Minimal travel may be required.
Education & Experience:
- Juris Doctor degree, must be a member in good standing of the Bar.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience advising companies on legal & Real Estate affairs, managing deadlines, and working collaboratively with other teams.
- Experience in sourcing, negotiating, and closing M&A transactions.
- Preferred experience with prior in-house counsel experience in a Retail Organization.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and legal and business judgment, with ability to influence others and build strong professional relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent critical thinking skills, including ability to prioritize issues.
- Project management skills and experience.
- Ability to work independently.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times.
