Corporate Counsel

HomeServices of America•Chicago, IL

35d

About The Position

To support the day-to-day business activities by responding to legal inquiries, providing problem solving and rendering advice with respect to agency and real estate laws, contract, intellectual property, employment, insurance, landlord/tenant and mortgage law to ensure maximum protection of the company's legal rights. Direct the defense of the organization against litigation and/or claims, including providing supervision of and direction to outside counsel and preparing the prosecution of the company's claims against others.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Admitted to practice law before a State Court and a United States District Court.
Five to ten years of experience in most major legal disciplines.
High degree of proficiency in state and federal real estate and agency law and contract, commercial landlord/tenant, corporate and employment law, secured transactions, and a working knowledge of the title industry, mortgage industry, insurance law and copyright and trademark law.
Demonstrated proficiency in management and supervision of regulatory or complex litigation, and strong negotiating skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
Ability to professionally lead meetings and conduct business under a variety of situations.
Effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.
Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently.
Ability to manage stressful situations and deal with highly emotional complainants.

Nice To Haves

Willingness to travel when necessary.

Responsibilities

Oversees the legal affairs of the organization, which includes any of the following job duties and responsibilities: (90-95%)
Participate in and/or supervise litigation defense of or the prosecution for, the company in claims and/or litigation issues and supervise any outside legal counsel.
Advise management on legal issues or questions for assigned areas of the company.
Monitor and participate in government hearings and any other hearing or arbitration matter involving the company.
Direct or provide legal representation to real estate licensees and the company in state and federal real estate agency investigations, Board of REALTORS commission arbitration matters or ethics hearings, conciliation court hearings and in home buyer/home seller arbitration hearings.
Advise on legal perspectives and/or the implications of contracts, government relationships, human resources, organizational structure, and insurance issues that may arise from conducting business.
Supervise legal aspects of all the organization's transactions and prepare reports and statements of a legal nature.
Represent the company in regulatory investigations by state and federal employment agencies.
Assist in developing plans, policies and objectives for the short- and long-range goals of the organization.
Assist in planning and directing investigations and negotiations pertaining to mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions of businesses, or the sale of major assets.
Act to protect and enhance the organization's investments in subsidiaries and affiliates. Ensure that all activities are performed in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws that govern business operations.
Ensure protection of trademarks, copyrights, sales agreements, technology agreements, trade regulations and anti-trust laws, credit, tax, and property matters and personnel and public relations.
Participate in the company's policy deliberations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Provide education and training to real estate licensees and company employees.
Suggest organizational changes as required by business development and growth.
Perform administrative activities necessary for the effective management of the department, including employee safety, selection and development, salary administration, budget administration, employee counseling and motivation, organization goals and objectives, and planning, organizing, integrating, measuring, and reporting the work performed within the department.
Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (0 – 5%)