Description

Corporate Counsel 

Basic Function

The Florida Corporate Counsel serves as the organization's in-house legal advisor, protecting the company's interests across its hospitality, retail and residential properties in Florida. The role oversees leasing, contracts, financing, insurance, property tax, City of Sanibel building, zoning and municipal code issues and corporate compliance matters, and provides practical legal guidance to ownership, Human Resources, and Property Managers. The Florida Corporate shall work in conjunction with the company’s Michigan Corporate Counsel.  Success means sound, well-documented agreements, minimized legal and financial risk, timely filings, and leadership that can make decisions with confidence.

Responsibilities

Daily

•        Provide legal counsel to Human Resources and Property Managers on employee legal issues
•        Draft contract riders for all expenses greater than $5,000
•        Review and approve invoices for various projects

Weekly

•        Draft new shopping center and office leases
•        Draft lease extensions for shopping center and office tenants
•        Perform background checks on prospective tenants and major contractors
•        Update and create management agreements for Dahlmann-managed properties

Monthly

•        Oversee property and liability insurance in coordination with the company's insurance broker
•        Oversee new mortgages and the refinancing of existing loans
•        Assist with property acquisitions and 1031 exchanges
•        Oversee property tax appeals
•        Oversee the Sanibel Inn Property Owners' Association if and as directed by hotel management
•        Attend City of Sanibel planning and city council meetings as needed.

Annually

•        Prepare property tax and property insurance budget figures for all properties
•        File with the state for corporate licenses for Florida properties
•        Complete Lee County personal property tax valuation forms and oversee all personal property tax filings, appealing valuations when necessary
•        Assist the company CPA with preparation of income tax returns

Future Special Projects

•        Update Employee Manuals for all properties
•        Update the Sanibel Inn Condominium Rental Agreement
•        Working in conjunction with Ann Arbor Corporate Counsel as needed

Qualifications

•        Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school required
•        Active member in good standing of The Florida Bar required
•        5+ years of legal experience in commercial real estate, corporate, and/or employment law; in-house experience in hospitality, property management, or real estate development preferred
•        Working knowledge of commercial leasing, real estate financing, 1031 exchanges, property tax appeals, insurance programs, construction law and corporate entity compliance
•        Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and legal research tools
•        Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with sound judgment, discretion, and strong attention to detail
•        Ideally possess working knowledge of City of Sanibel ordinances and codes 

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based, working on site at least 4 days per week in a climate-controlled environment on Sanibel Island, FL. May occasionally be required to work in outdoor SW Florida temperatures. Some extended hours may be required during peak season, audits, or other critical operational periods.

Physical Requirements

•        Able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
•        Able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
•        Must be able to operate standard office equipment and computer systems
•        Must be able to work in SW Florida outdoor temperatures as needed

Standards of Conduct

In addition to the functions listed above, the employee is expected to:

•        Exercise honesty, integrity, and respect with all guests and co-workers
•        Maintain a professional appearance and positive, service-oriented demeanor
•        Communicate effectively with co-workers, guests, and ownership
•        Work with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail
•        Maintain good attendance and work when and where directed
•        Work safely in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
•        Keep the work environment neat, clean, and well-organized
•        Show initiative in learning new skills and helping teammates

The employee is also expected to perform other duties and functions as required.