Senior Counsel

Job Overview

The Senior Counsel provides strategic, practical, and business-focused legal advice to support the growth and success of the business. The role serves as a trusted advisor to the Regional General Counsel, executives, and operational leaders, helping to identify, assess, and mitigate legal issues and risks while enabling sound business decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex legal and business issues and assist in developing strategic alternatives and actionable recommendations
• Collaborate with the legal team on knowledge management initiatives, template standardization, playbooks, and process improvements to improve efficiency and consistency
• Provide timely, practical, solutions-oriented counsel that balances legal, risk, and business objectives
• Identify emerging risks and trends impacting FirstService and recommend mitigation strategies and process improvements
• Expertly draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts to protect FirstService's interests while also advancing the company's business objectives
• Identify and advise on risk allocation, compliance obligations, and contractual protections
• Support regional and national transactions and initiatives as needed
• Draft, negotiate and advise on commercial and residential leasing agreements
• Advise on real estate law, including landlord-tenant law, leasing regulations, rent stabilization/rent control and housing court processes
• Manage pre-litigation disputes, demand letters and claims
• Communicate with client counsel regarding subpoena production responses
• Provide guidance on regulatory and compliance matters relevant to operations
• Partner with the operations team to implement policies, training, and internal controls
• Interpret and advise on state and local regulations including, but not limited to, housing rules, ordinances and compliance
• Identify and reduce legal and operational risks through practical, business aligned solutions

Skills & Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree or higher from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active member in good standing with the bar in one or more of the following states: Texas, Illinois, New York, or New Jersey
• 5+ years’ experience in licensed legal practice
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements is required
• Broad legal expertise across areas such as real estate, corporate law, litigation, and labor/employment law
• Works effectively with coworkers, clients, customers, and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions
• High energy attitude and an ability to multi-task/prioritize different projects at any given time
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)