Corporate Counsel

HomeServices of America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

PTO

401(k) matching

HSA

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

HomeServices of America in Chicago seeks a seasoned General Counsel to lead the legal department and protect the company’s interests across agency, real estate, contract, IP, employment, and insurance law.

The role directs outside counsel, supervises litigation defense, and advises management on risk, regulatory compliance, and strategy to support business growth while ensuring lawful operations nationwide.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree; admitted to practice law in state and federal courts.
• 5–10 years in major legal disciplines with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of real estate, agency, contract, corporate and employment law.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the legal affairs of the organization and supervise outside counsel.
• Advise management on legal issues and risk across multiple domains.
• Lead litigation strategy and coordinate regulatory investigations.
• Protect intellectual property, contracts, and compliance with laws.
• Develop policies and educate staff on legal and ethical standards.

Skills

Legal leadership

Litigation management

Contract law

Real estate law

Regulatory compliance

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Contract management software

Job description

To support the day-to-day business activities by responding to legal inquiries, providing problem solving and rendering advice with respect to agency and real estate laws, contract, intellectual property, employment, insurance, landlord/tenant and mortgage law to ensure maximum protection of the company's legal rights. Direct the defense of the organization against litigation and/or claims, including providing supervision of and direction to outside counsel and preparing the prosecution of the company's claims against others.

Job Duties And Responsibilities (Essential Job Functions)

• Oversees the legal affairs of the organization, which includes any of the following job duties and responsibilities: (90-95%)
• Participate in and/or supervise litigation defense of or the prosecution for, the company in claims and/or litigation issues and supervise any outside legal counsel.
• Advise management on legal issues or questions for assigned areas of the company.
• Monitor and participate in government hearings and any other hearing or arbitration matter involving the company.
• Direct or provide legal representation to real estate licensees and the company in state and federal real estate agency investigations, Board of REALTORS commission arbitration matters or ethics hearings, conciliation court hearings and in home buyer/home seller arbitration hearings.
• Advise on legal perspectives and/or the implications of contracts, government relationships, human resources, organizational structure, and insurance issues that may arise from conducting business.
• Supervise legal aspects of all the organization's transactions and prepare reports and statements of a legal nature.
• Represent the company in regulatory investigations by state and federal employment agencies.
• Assist in developing plans, policies and objectives for the short- and long-range goals of the organization.
• Assist in planning and directing investigations and negotiations pertaining to mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions of businesses, or the sale of major assets.
• Act to protect and enhance the organization's investments in subsidiaries and affiliates. Ensure that all activities are performed in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws that govern business operations.
• Ensure protection of trademarks, copyrights, sales agreements, technology agreements, trade regulations and anti-trust laws, credit, tax, and property matters and personnel and public relations.
• Participate in the company's policy deliberations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide education and training to real estate licensees and company employees.
• Suggest organizational changes as required by business development and growth.
• Perform administrative activities necessary for the effective management of the department, including employee safety, selection and development, salary administration, budget administration, employee counseling and motivation, organization goals and objectives, and planning, organizing, integrating, measuring, and reporting the work performed within the department.
• Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (0 – 5%)

Performance Expectations

• Meet all performance and behavior expectations outlined in the company performance appraisal form or communicated by management.
• Perform responsibilities as directed achieving desired results within expected time frames and with a high degree of quality and professionalism.
• Establish and maintain positive and productive work relationships with all staff, customers and business partners.
• Demonstrate the behavioral and technical competencies necessary to effectively complete job responsibilities. Take personal initiative for technical and professional development.
• Follow the company HR Policy, the Code of Business Conduct and all subsidiary and department policies and procedures, including protecting confidential company information, attending work punctually and regularly, and following good safety practices in all activities.

Qualifications

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Admitted to practice law before a State Court and a United States District Court.

Experience

• Five to ten years of experience in most major legal disciplines.

Knowledge And Skills

• High degree of proficiency in state and federal real estate and agency law and contract, commercial landlord/tenant, corporate and employment law, secured transactions, and a working knowledge of the title industry, mortgage industry, insurance law and copyright and trademark law.
• Demonstrated proficiency in management and supervision of regulatory or complex litigation, and strong negotiating skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills. Ability to professionally lead meetings and conduct business under a variety of situations.
• Effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.
• Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and deal with highly emotional complainants.

Other (licenses, Certifications, Schedule Flexibility/OT, Travel, Etc.)

• Willingness to travel when necessary.

We offer a full suite of benefits including Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation (PTO), 401(k) with employer match, Flexible Spending Account, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Opportunity Employer