LEGAL COUNSEL

Our client is a purpose-driven leader in affordable housing, operating in approximately 20 states, supported by a team of over 1,300 dedicated employees. For more than 50 years, they have delivered excellence in the development and management of affordable housing communities across the United States.

Our client is helping tackle the affordable housing crisis and they are looking for motivated candidates to join their team and advance their mission. With offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, and Minneapolis, Dominium is one of the nation’s most respected and innovative affordable housing development and management companies. They create quality, affordable homes and engage with their residents to foster a strong sense of community and connection.

The team at Dominium makes a difference in people’s lives every day. At this company, you can challenge yourself to develop both personally and professionally.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Legal Counsel will play a key role in supporting the company by managing contracts, providing strategic guidance on employee relations and complex disputes, and ensuring compliance with employment. This position will also oversee legal matters related to property management and general business matters.

By producing legal work in-house rather than relying on external support, the Legal Counsel will help streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance responsiveness.

They will proactively develop strategies to mitigate legal risks while aligning legal guidance with the company’s goals and maintaining the highest standards of legal integrity.

Essential functions

Human Resources

• Advises on employee relations matters and handles escalated employment disputes.

• Manages responses to external complaints and charges, including EEOC claims, and other federal, state, or local agencies; coordinates investigations and responses, and represents or facilitates representation in related proceedings.

• Drafts and maintains employee agreements, including confidentiality, non-compete, non-solicitation, and arbitration clauses.

• Develops and implements training programs on employment law issues, including sexual harassment, business ethics, and non-discrimination.

• Ensures proper classification of workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act to avoid legal issues related to overtime and back wages.

• Assists with the preparation and submission of visa applications for employees; creates policies to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations; and provides guidance on immigration-related issues and changes in legislation.

Property Management

• General or initial guidance on compliance with federal and state housing regulations and enforcement.

• Ensures compliance with state and federal landlord-tenant laws, including security deposits, lease agreements, eviction processes, and tenant rights.

• Ensures practices, advertisements, and interactions comply with the Fair Housing Act and other fair housing laws.

• Develops strategies to mitigate legal risks associated with property management and real estate transactions.

General Business

• Manages and coordinates general litigation matters across the enterprise.

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates vendor contracts to protect the organization's interests; and manages vendor relationships and implements processes for managing contracts, including renewals and terminations.

• Ensures contracts are compliant with relevant laws and regulations; and advises on contractual obligations and risks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school; and licensed to practice in at least one state.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in employment, contract, Fair Housing, and/or general business law. Experience working within a corporate in-house legal department preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiarity with contract management software.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• High ethical standards and professional integrity are necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Work environment is an indoor office environment with 75% sitting, 15% standing and 10% walking. 

• Ability to travel up to 25%.