Senior Counsel

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Colorado.

📋 Description

• The VP - Senior Counsel acts as the primary legal advisor for the daily operations of Conifer's asset management and property management divisions.

• Develops comprehensive risk frameworks across the enterprise.

• Manages compliance with affordable housing regulatory requirements.

• Safeguards the company against systemic liabilities.

• Collaborates closely with the Chief Legal Officer and various teams in Asset Management, Property Management, and Corporate Office functions.

• Establishes enterprise-level contract standards, templates, and standard operating procedures for high-value vendor partnerships.

• Negotiates enterprise agreements, master service agreements (MSAs), and strategic vendor contracts.

• Streamlines the commercial contract lifecycle across all operational divisions to balance business agility with sound risk management.

• Develops proactive compliance strategies to address changing municipal, state, and federal real estate mandates.

• Provides guidance on affordable housing regulatory frameworks, including LIHTC regulatory agreements, HUD requirements, and state and local housing authority (HFA) regulations impacting the portfolio.

• Serves as the main legal contact with local and state regulatory agencies.

• Oversees the investigation and resolution of complaints related to Fair Housing, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and civil rights or discrimination across the portfolio.

• Collaborates with operational leaders to draft and review enterprise-wide accessibility policies and anti-discrimination frameworks.

• Manages outside litigation counsel, establishes defense and settlement strategies, approves significant filings, oversees legal expenditures, and provides regular updates to the CLO.

• Conducts regular corporate risk assessments across all business lines and implements mitigation programs to reduce corporate liability.

• Reviews and provides advice on HR-related policies concerning multi-state staff and applicable employment laws, in coordination with People & Culture and the CLO.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of eight (8+) years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house setting, including a role in corporate in-house operations.

• Profound, high-level knowledge of real estate operational mechanics, commercial insurance structures, and systemic regulatory risks.

• Preferred experience working with affordable housing regulatory frameworks (LIHTC, HUD, state HFA / housing authority programs).

• Proven track record of successfully navigating sensitive investigations, interacting with regulatory bodies, and effectively engaging with public officials.

• Prior in-house counsel experience in property management, real estate, or affordable housing is preferred.

• Skilled in legal research and writing, capable of providing practical, business-oriented recommendations.

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook).

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings options with company matching.

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

• Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.