In-House Counsel

About the role

In-House Counsel at Sterling Management is primarily responsible for providing legal support to the General Counsel and the entire Sterling Management team in all aspects of day-to-day operations with an emphasis in commercial leasing, real estate acquisitions, and loan transactions. This role strengthens Sterling Management’s mission and vision by supporting the Legal Department.

Responsibilities

• Financial Operations:
  • Provide strategic legal support in the leasing of office and industrial properties.
  • Draft and negotiate commercial leases, lease amendments, property management and listing agreements, and other associated documentation.
  • Work collaboratively with Sterling Management team members and outside service providers throughout the real estate acquisition and disposition process, including organization and coordination of all closing documents.
  • Evaluate acquisition due diligence materials and information and secure necessary internal reviews and approvals.
  • Engage and coordinate services with outside providers (e.g., Phase I, property condition assessment, survey, title, zoning) as appropriate.
  • Evaluate title evidence and work closely with title companies to ensure timely closing of real estate acquisitions with acceptable title conditions.
  • Provide legal support in 1031 and 721 exchanges, coordinating with all stakeholders, both internal and external.
  • Review and analyze loan documents, in concert with finance team members, in connection with acquisition financing and the financing and refinancing of existing properties.
  • Prepare loan opinions, certificates, and other legal documents as needed to close real estate loans.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts.
• Business Operations:
  • Provide periodic support for the REIT Boards and their committees in corporate governance matters.
  • With the support of the General Counsel and outside securities counsel, provide assistance in the areas of SEC and state law securities compliance, including private securities offerings.
  • In collaboration with the General Counsel, provide cross-functional advice and counsel to Sterling team members on a wide variety of legal matters arising out of the day-to-day operations of Sterling Management.
• Leadership:
  • Be responsible and accountable for your actions and reactions.
  • Understand and engage in trainings, projects, and processes aligned to this role and any organization-wide required trainings within the defined timelines.
  • Work side by side with leadership and support teams as appropriate.
  • Incorporate learnings from fellow team members into your personal growth and development.
  • Serve as a mentor to help in the growth and development of fellow team members.
  • Create goals, processes, and habits to succeed in your personal growth and development.
  • Cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion for our team members by:
    • Ensuring compliance with all SEC laws and regulations as well as government programs.
    • Ensuring decisions made and work completed represent our company values.
    • Developing and growing your self-awareness around your beliefs and behaviors.
    • Communicating professionally and effectively with fellow team members through active listening to understand.
    • Knowing as many team members by name and face as possible, using their name as much as possible.
    • Participating in community initiatives and organizations.
    • Understanding and following all OSHA and company safety standards for work you perform.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school with academic distinction required.
• Must be licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in North Dakota. Licensure in Minnesota as well is preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in a law firm and/or in-house setting with an emphasis in business and real estate transactions.
• Strong analytical and conceptual reasoning abilities.
• Sound judgment and strong business, legal, and real estate acumen.
• Exceptional legal writing skills.
• Ability to evaluate complex transactions and draft crisp and clear legal agreements that further business objectives while minimizing risk.
• Open, direct, approachable, clear, and decisive communication style.
• Seasoned ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet required deadlines.
• Able to prioritize multiple demands and adapt with appropriate flexibility as urgent and unexpected projects arise.
• Must be able to skillfully and independently draft and revise legal documents without the assistance of a legal secretary or paralegal.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Seeks challenges and self-development.
• Demonstrates high levels of expertise and shows commitment, self-confidence, and integrity.
• Demonstrates a willingness and eagerness to learn. Receptive to constructive critique.
• Sets thoughtful priorities. Is accountable and sees matters through to closure.
• Collaborative ability to work within a team to achieve group goals. Is considerate and aware of others when taking action.
• Demonstrates humble leadership within the organization.
• Must have a vehicle, valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and meet company insurability requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite including SharePoint, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel is preferred.
• Proficiency of the English language in reading, writing, and verbal communication.

Pay

Starting at $90,000 (more based on experience).

Benefits

• Time off that grows with you:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues throughout the year and increases with tenure, giving you more flexibility over time.
  • 8 paid holidays each year.
  • 4 YOU Days each year, giving you a paid day off each quarter to use how you choose.
  • Paid volunteer opportunities.
  • Access On-Demand Pay, allowing eligible hourly team members to access a portion of earned wages before payday.
  • Celebrate milestone anniversaries with a gift card and a paid day off.
• Health And Financial Well-Being:
  • Choose from three medical plan options, including HSA options, along with dental and vision coverage.
  • Receive company HSA contributions to help offset out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Build your future with a 401(k) plan that offers up to a 5% company match and immediate vesting.
  • Income replacement benefits for qualifying life events, along with voluntary benefit options to help support you and your family.
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Growth And Development:
  • Grow your career through leadership and development opportunities designed to support your success.