Counsel, Litigation & Operations

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic legal professional to join our team as Litigation & Operations Counsel.  This role will be an instrumental member of the team managing the company's litigation, as well as providing comprehensive strategic legal advice to our field operations team and other functions on a wide range of business, compliance, regulatory, and other issues. The ideal candidate will be a proactive legal partner able to navigate the complexities of our business environment with integrity and strategic acumen.  Additionally, the role will involve consulting with business units on compliance, risk mitigation, addressing customer issues, responding to government inquiries, and managing and reporting on legal operations and budget matters.

The ideal candidate will possess strong academic credentials and over 3-5 years of relevant private practice and/or in-house experience. They will be a business-minded attorney, a strong and decisive negotiator, an efficient multi-tasker, and a skilled people and project manager.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive mindset and a willingness to learn new legal areas, providing practical and business-oriented counsel. While not required, experience in any of the following areas is a plus:

• Government or regulatory investigations
• Laws related to marketing, data collection, and trade practices
• The self-storage industry or REITs more broadly

The successful candidate must be a self-starter, capable of independently managing legal matters and responding effectively to business needs.

Responsibilities:

• Litigation Management: Lead, manage, and oversee the company’s litigation, administrative matters, and other legal disputes, including strategy, budgeting, and supervision of outside counsel.  Develop and implement litigation strategies that align with business objectives and risk tolerance. Represent the company in court proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations.  Analyze litigation trends and outcomes to inform future strategies and decision-making.
• Operational and Business Advice and Counsel: Provide strategic legal counsel to our field operations teams and other business functions on legal matters, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.  Stay abreast of legal developments and best practices relevant to the company's operations.  Partner with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives and projects with legal analysis and recommendations.  Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on critical legal and business strategies.  Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements pertinent to field operations.  Provide training and guidance to field operations staff on legal and compliance matters.
• Dispute Resolution and Investigations: Address customer issues and respond to inquiries from government agencies.  Conduct internal investigations and audits as required.  Ensure prompt and effective responses to regulatory and legal inquiries.
• Regulatory and Compliance: Advise on and implement policies and practices that ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local laws.  Collaborate with internal departments to support compliance initiatives and mitigate legal risks.  Develop training programs to educate employees on legal and regulatory requirements.  Areas of emphasis include data privacy, cybersecurity, marketing, consumer protection, and employment matters.
• Budgeting and Reporting: Monitor legal expenditures and assist in managing the legal department's budget.  Assist in preparation of profit and loss (P&L) and other reports related to legal activities.
• Collaboration: Build and maintain strong and productive relationships internal and external stakeholders.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to a state bar and in good standing, with the ability to practice law as in-house counsel in Texas
• At least 3 to 5 years of legal experience, with a focus on litigation and business counseling
• Strong subject-matter expertise and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
• Experience working in a corporate legal department preferred

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Proficiency in legal research and excellent writing skills
• Tech-savvy and hands-on with legal productivity tools, including e-billing/matter management and workflow/ticketing systems and Microsoft Office 360 apps, especially PowerPoint
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated responsiveness and c...