Legal Support Specialist

Equity Residential is a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on creating communities where people thrive. The Legal Support Specialist will assist the Legal Services team in managing legal issues related to the company's multi-family residential communities, handling inquiries, and maintaining legal documents and policies.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting the multi-family industry, with special focus on markets where the Company operates
• Assumes an active role on the Legal Support team, which has primary responsibility for providing advice on day-to-day legal issues to on-site and regional team members, including resident disputes and questions, lease and document interpretation and review, and ensuring the Company’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• As assigned, processes and maintains revisions and modifications to applicant and resident-facing materials (i.e. applications, lease documents, etc.), and other operational policies, procedures, reference materials and forms; partners with other members of the Legal Services team to develop and revise such materials and maintains a mechanism for tracking and archiving document and policy changes over time
• Actively participates in testing scenarios, pilot programs, and other roll-out strategies established in connection with Property Operations initiatives
• Independently responds to a variety of fact-specific inquiries and requests for legal assistance generated by regional, on-site, and corporate team members across all disciplines (e.g., property management, property operations, portfolio management/investments, the central business group, and internal audit)
• Monitors the activities of regional and on-site team members and participates in the development and distribution of property management and operational policies, procedures and forms to help streamline property management processes and to ensure that the Company’s apartment communities are being operated and managed in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws
• Researches and analyzes facts presented, under the supervision of the Legal Support Senior Manager, and identifies relevant legal issues, researches applicable laws, and formulates advice; escalates issues, when appropriate, to other subject matter experts within the Legal Services team
• Operates with a high degree of independence, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively with minimal supervision
• Takes initiative to identify and address Legal Support needs, proactively seeking solutions and making informed decisions within the scope of the role
• Demonstrates self-direction in developing expertise and staying current on relevant laws and regulations impacting the multi-family industry
• Regularly composes correspondence and other written responses to residents, EQR team members, attorneys and governmental agencies
• Maintains accurate and timely communications with internal and external clients
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times; consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public
• Performs other duties as necessary

Skills

• 1-3 years experience in multi-family property management and experience in a law firm or in-house legal department
• High school diploma or equivalency is mandatory
• Must possess strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with all levels of management, residents and outside legal counsel
• Must be flexible, detail-oriented and able to work effectively under deadline pressure
• Must be organized and able to prioritize workload, handle a large number of matters at one time and pursue assignments to completion
• Must also maintain strict confidentiality as required
• Critical thinking and attention to detail are also required
• College degree preferred

Benefits

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, vision care and wellness programs
• Social Wellbeing: Paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits, adoption assistance
• Financial Wellbeing: Competitive Compensation, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, FSA/HSA, and company-paid life & disability insurance
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development, Tuition Assistance
• Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees.

Company Overview