Senior Manager, Real Estate Counsel

Position Description:     The Sr. Manager, Real Estate Counsel manages Landlord-Tenant legal issues, oversees in-house paralegals, supports the Company’s collection efforts, and monitors Company litigation. The Sr. Manager, Real Estate Counsel must exercise sound judgment and work independently under the general direction and guidance of the VP, Senior Real Estate Counsel.  In addition, the position will require the drafting of various license agreements, service contracts, vendor agreements, and other business-related agreements across multiple disciplines.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain and develop expertise about laws, regulations and court decisions affecting shopping centers and the Landlord-Tenant relationship.
• Supervise and direct outside counsel on litigation related to Landlord-Tenant disputes and other real estate litigation as assigned. Attend depositions, mediations and court proceedings when necessary.
• Oversee the in-house paralegals’ handing of eviction proceedings and collection actions.
• Respond to Subpoenas for the Company’s business records, and implement and monitor document retention and preservation in connection with claims, litigation and e-discovery.
• Assist the Company’s ADA Task Force in reviewing and responding to ADA claims and complaints relating to websites and physical access barriers, and assist with Common Area access issues.
• Negotiate, draft and review contracts, licenses, professional services agreements, vendor contracts, and other business-related agreements.
• Negotiate and document settlements.
• Research legal issues and prepare legal opinions, memoranda and correspondence.
• Respond to tenant default notices and correspond with tenant attorneys to resolve lease and legal disputes.
• Prepare litigation evaluations, analyze collectability, and pursue enforcement of judgments.
• Monitor resolution of mechanics’ liens and foreclosure actions, and assist with handling of construction defect litigation.
• Provide daily legal guidance to in-house paralegals and all Departments.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law, preferably in California.
• Must satisfy Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements to maintain active license to practice law.
• Minimum 3+ years’ relevant experience with a background in real estate law, Landlord-Tenant litigation or other business litigation.  Law Firm Experience preferred. 
• Excellent PC skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel.

• All applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including corresponding core job requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities (and others in accordance with applicable law) to perform the essential functions of the job, consistent with applicable laws and Company policy.