Responsibilities

REPORTS TO
The Associate General Counsel will report directly to the General Counsel.

LOCATION
San Mateo Corporate Office

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
The Legal Department is integral to the Company’s day-to-day operations and strategic success and provides practical, business-oriented and efficient advice on all legal matters. The department is functionally responsible for all Essex’s legal affairs, and serves both to ensure legal and ethical compliance, and to collaborate with across departments as a business partner to help create enterprise value consistent with Essex’s business model. The culture of the department is fast-paced, collaborative, smart, and professional.

POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
The successful candidate will be skilled at a variety of legal areas, including advising on operational matters, overseeing litigation, must be business oriented and able to work in a collaborative and fast pasted environment. Common sense is a must. The successful candidate must be able to review and negotiate contracts from outside vendors, consultants and other third parties and will also have drafted and reviewed lease and lease amendments with a variety of residential and commercial tenants.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Be one of the key legal advisors to the Company’s 1,500 person property operations group on a variety of issues including but not limited to:tenant inquiries and disputes,
contract disputes,
other operational issues, and
policy/process improvement

Oversee the management and resolution of litigation matters involving tenants, vendors and personnel, including serving as company representative for certain hearings and mediations.
Manage regulatory and jurisdictional compliance for property operations and asset management.
Oversee regulatory compliance for below market rate and tax credit units, and FHA/ADA compliance.
Review and negotiate a variety of contracts with outside vendors, consultants and third parties for operations support agreements, ancillary income agreements, and marketing agreements.
Review and update standardized forms including leases, contracts and other agreements.
Undertake other legal assignments and tasks as directed by the Deputy General Counsel /Group Vice President, Legal and General Counsel.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: JD law degree from an accredited law school

Licenses: Licensed to practice law in California a plus

Experience:
At least 5 years’ experience with a known law firm
In-house experience a plus
Litigation or litigation management

Skills:
High dedication to internal customer service in a fast-paced environment
Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, able to work both independently and in teams, and able to prioritize time-sensitive projects
Strong computer skills
Strong organizational skills
Strong analysis, writing and oral communications skills who can communicate clearly and effectively with all company team members
Strong leadership skills, demonstrated business judgment, a collaborative nature, and superior intellectual and interpersonal skills will be crucial to the candidate’s success Essex offers a comprehensive benefits package that reflects how much we value our associates and their families:

For regular full-time associates regularly scheduled to work at least thirty (30) hours per week:
• Medical, Dental, Pre-tax flex plan, Basic life insurance, Supplemental life, Short- and long-term disability, Accidental death insurance plans.

For part-time and full-time associates:
• Employer-matching 401(k) plan that offers financial planning and independent brokerage services.
• Wellness Program, 24-hour Employee Assistance, Service awards and Paid time-off.