Description:

Job Description:
Overview:
A Veterinarian-Founded Company?has an opportunity for a Senior Legal Counsel to be an important member of our growing Legal Department.

A Veterinarian-Founded Company is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Summary:
As the Senior Legal Counsel, you will hold a central position within our legal department, offering strategic guidance and specialized legal counsel to the company. Collaborating closely with the General Counsel, your primary focus will be on real estate and transactional matters, with additional responsibilities encompassing labor law issues. Your role will involve adeptly navigating intricate legal terrain, negotiating contracts, conducting thorough due diligence, and ensuring strict adherence to pertinent laws and regulations. You will collaborate closely with internal teams, external parties, and stakeholders to facilitate successful transactions and mitigate legal risks. Additionally, you will stay abreast of industry standards, developments, trends and provide strategic guidance and minimize risk to the company.

Travel required: Less than 15%.

Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:

Maintain and uphold the Core Values and Mission Statement of A Veterinarian-Founded Company.
Support the General Counsel in the day-to-day legal affairs of the company.
Spearhead all facets of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing agreements, and development projects.
Offer strategic legal advice and guidance on all real estate matters to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including but not limited to vendor agreements, service contracts, licensing agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
Collaborate with departmental leaders to identify legal challenges and opportunities, contributing to the company's growth and evolution.
Review, interpret, and translate legal requirements pertaining to real estate transactions and operations, ensuring clear communication to internal and external stakeholders.
Identify potential legal risks associated with the real estate projects and develop strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.
Effectively communicate legal requirements and implications to business leaders, ensuring alignment with company objectives and strategies.
Collaborate with external counsel as needed on litigation matters, including contract disputes and other legal proceedings.
Provide real estate support for corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
Ensure that contracts comply with legal requirements, company policies, and industry standards.

Additional Functions:
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficiency in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex legal documents and contracts related to M&A transactions, and leases.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to function well in a very faced-paced environment.
Ability to work well in a team.
Excellent critical thinking skills.
In-depth knowledge of real estate laws regulations, including leasing agreements, and real estate transactions.
Understanding of the due diligence process, including identifying potential risks and liabilities, and providing strategic advice to the General Counsel.

Required Education and Experience:

Minimum 12 years' experience as an attorney.
Must be admitted to the Michigan State Bar.
Juris Doctor degree required.
Bachelor's degree required.
Prior in-house legal experience and/or experience in a law firm specializing in real estate and transactions is required.
Must be able to work independently and have sound and independent judgment.

Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.