Description:

General Summary:
The role of Vice President (VP) – Legal (“You” or “Your”) is to provide strategic legal advice and guidance to the Company. The term “Company” as used herein shall collectively include A Business Park in DeWitt, New York as well as its affiliated and managed entities.

As a transaction driven real estate company, much of the data and information which is essential to the proper function and progress of the Company originates from the work performed by the Widewaters legal team (the “Information”), led by You, and working with other Widewaters associates. It is for that reason, that the role of VP-Legal requires a deep understanding of the business, from top to bottom, including the people, their jobs, and how it all functions together. Managing and properly disseminating the Information throughout Widewaters is a primary responsibility of the Widewaters legal team. In that regard, the application and utilization of new and emerging technologies is key.

As a lawyer and VP of Legal, your responsibilities also include the traditional roles of both managing and taking a direct role in the company's legal affairs, including contract negotiations, litigation, corporate organization, as well as all matters legal in connection with the Company's core business of real estate development, management, construction, brokerage and provider of telecommunication services. You and the Widewaters legal team will be expected to provide strategic input on business decisions, assess potential legal implications, and develop strategies to protect the company's interests and drive the business forward.

Key Responsibilities:
You and the Widewaters legal team will be responsible for:

Legal Advice and Guidance:

Continue to look to potential new technologies to help drive productivity within the Company as it applies to the Information and data generated by the Widewaters legal team, including but not limited to the maintenance of such Information databases.
Provide legal counsel and guidance to the company on a variety of legal matters. This includes interpreting laws and regulations, assessing legal risks, and offering legal advice on direction, compliance, and best practices.
Assess legal risks faced by the Company and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. This may involve working within the Company to design and implement policies and procedures, and to conduct legal research and analysis. It may also include training of employees on legal matters.
Conduct legal due diligence for potential real estate acquisitions or investments, including property titles, contracts, permits, and other legal documents to assess any potential issues or risks with the aim of maximizing Company goals.
Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. This may involve staying up to date with changes in laws and regulations, conducting internal investigations, and implementing compliance programs.
Oversee the application of existing Company software platforms and third-party services to effectively improve productivity of the Widewaters legal team and throughout the Company.

Contract Review and Negotiation

Review, draft, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts and agreements and oversee the same on behalf of the Company. This may include contracts with tenants, financing and equity partners, vendors, suppliers, and other business partners. Your role will be to ensure that these contracts align with the company's interests goals and protect the Company's legal rights and interests.

Corporate Governance:

As a real estate development and management company, with a large portfolio of single purpose entities, the VP-Legal and the Widewaters legal team is primarily responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with company structure and governance requirements, including maintaining internal company records and agreements, as well as state and local registration, reports and compliance.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

Manage litigation and legal disputes involving the Company. This includes engaging; working with; and compensating outside counsel. It will also include conducting legal research, and representing the Company's interests in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings.

Job Expectations of all employees

Work with integrity, excellence, and humility to promote teamwork with all colleagues.
Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service skills such as friendly greeting, making eye contact, listening attentively, responding in a timely manner, showing respect and empathy, and acting as a role model to peers.
Attend and actively participate in required meetings and training sessions.
Comply with established policies, procedures, and codes of conduct always.
Practice and teach safety awareness. Identify and report or correct any possible safety or environmental issues.

Necessary Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree from an accredited law school with a minimum of 8-10 years' experience working as an attorney, preferably in commercial real estate and business transactions, with additional experience in litigation.
A current and valid license to practice law issued by the State of New York
Leadership, by example.
Respect for others.
Demonstrate organizational skills and critical thinking skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and work with interruptions.
Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
Proven oral and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate with a professional tone.
Proficient with MS Office and able to learn and apply new software rapidly.