Region Real Estate Counsel-FG

D.R. Horton•Lake Mary, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company focused on delivering desirable communities for homebuilders in both established locations and long-term growth markets. Forestar’s vision is to be the nation’s leading residential lot developer. The Company’s strategic relationship with D.R. Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder, complements Forestar’s vision of creating neighborhoods that enhance the lives of community residents while creating value for shareholders, trade partners and employees. Forestar Group is currently looking for a Region Real Estate Counsel-FG. The right candidate will manage and coordinate the region’s legal services, with emphasis on residential land acquisition, entitlement, and development. Advise appropriate corporate, regional, and divisional leadership, as well as other acquisition, entitlement and development staff on real estate legal matters within the region. Participate with region team in creation of policies and processes for region business operations and training of division-level staff.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree (J.D.)
Current license to practice law
3+ years related experience and/or training
Excellent interpersonal, writing and oral communication skills
Proficient in time management
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written oral form or via FOR applications
Proficiency with MS Office and email
Ability to sit for majority of 8-hour workday; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and peripheral vision

Nice To Haves

5+ years’ experience in real estate
Experience with single-family residential development preferred, but not required
Experience in handling real estate matters in multiple jurisdictions/geographical areas within the eastern United States

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice related to land acquisition, including drafting and negotiating confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, deeds and related closing documents. Coordinate with region, division personnel and outside counsel to manage all land acquisition closings
Analyze and assist in due diligence and entitlement efforts for acquisition targets, including title and survey review, environmental due diligence, analyzing zoning and land issues, and coordinating with outside consultants and counsel as necessary
Evaluate and approve division submittits for project acquisitions and dispositions with regional leadership before final Investment Committee approval, including legal and entitlement risk assessment
Review, negotiate and approve vendor contracts (including site construction and professional services agreements), development agreements, easements, utility service agreements, and other ancillary documents necessary for commencement and completion of development.
Advise division, region and corporate staff on potential construction and design related disputes, as well as necessary vendor insurance coverage
Draft and negotiate agreements for the sale of developed lots and raw or partially developed land parcels. Manage all closings related to such transactions
In collaboration with the Regional HOA Manager, review and approve restrictive covenants and related homeowners’ association documentation
Participate in and prepare presentations for regional training, including relevant legal compliance, processes and procedures
Stay current on regulatory and compliance issues and developments in real estate law in relevant jurisdictions
Manage support staff responsible for coordinating all closings (purchase and sale), vendor contract negotiation, and acquisition and development files
Conduct all business in a professional and ethical manner to serve customers and increase the goodwill and profit of the company
Ability to travel overnight