Corporate Counsel at Uniland Development Company

Corporate Counsel

Department: Legal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Corporate Counsel plays a pivotal role in delivering diverse legal services to Uniland Development Company and its affiliates. This position provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the Senior Executive team and other key stakeholders, addressing a broad range of legal and related matters across the organization’s business operations. The role focuses primarily on corporate and tax matters, as well as insurance and transactional activities, including finance, acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Corporate Counsel

• Provides counsel and guidance to Uniland Senior Executive team, other upper management and Uniland associates on all legal matters relevant to the organization pertaining to corporate, tax matters, real estate transactions, construction and development projects, contracts and grants, liability and insurance matters, and other laws and regulations.
• Proactively anticipates and identifies legal challenges, provides counsel, and devises effective legal strategies and solutions, often under tight time constraints and in situations involving significant financial risk.
• Works closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) on internal, corporate-related matters.
• Drafts, reviews, analyzes, and negotiates contracts, loan documents, leases, title commitments and exceptions, and other legal documents; researching legal issues and recommending revisions as necessary.
• Oversees and manages Uniland’s Captive Insurance program including workers’ compensation, property, automobile, and general liability insurance coverages.
• Represents Uniland in legal proceedings and negotiations or oversees the selection and retention of outside counsel to ensure effective representation.
• Serves as internal support for outside counsel by conducting investigations, gathering information, responding to litigation-related requests, and contributing to the development of case strategies.
• Develops expertise across all functions of the Uniland’s Legal Department, providing consultation on complex or sensitive issues.
• Continuously improves workflows and transaction processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Updates and improves templates, forms, and procedures to streamline transactions, ensure accuracy, and foster collaboration within the Uniland enterprise.
• Pursues professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to stay current with developments in corporate, real estate, tax, and insurance law, as well as related fields.
• Performs additional responsibilities and tasks as assigned.

Tax Counsel

• Provides comprehensive tax analysis and legal support to the Uniland Senior Executive Team and other members of upper management.
• Assesses the technical merits of both internally and externally developed tax strategies, identifies potential issues and opportunities, and delivers clear, actionable conclusions and recommendations both orally and in writing.
• Monitors and analyzes changes in U.S. federal and state tax laws including, but not limited to, New York State regulations, to develop strategies that leverage opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and ensure efficient and compliant practices.
• Advises Uniland Senior Executive Team on tax efficient approaches to acquisitions and dispositions, contributes to the drafting of related agreements, and conducts associated legal and financial due diligence.
• Oversees and assists with federal, state and local tax controversies, including audits and litigation.
• Manages relationships with external advisors to coordinate planning, tax return preparation, and audit processes effectively.
• Ensures tax planning initiatives are accurately recorded for both tax accounting and financial reporting purposes.
• Evaluates the financial accounting implications of uncertain tax positions and recommends appropriate resolutions.

OTHER DUTIES

• Actively participates and contributes to a variety of ad hoc projects in the department, or Company-wide, supporting business, legal and strategic Company initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• Provides leadership and direction to direct reports, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Sets clear expectations, goals, and priorities for team members and monitors their progress towards achieving them.
• Conducts regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide feedback, support their professional development, and address any performance issues.
• Delegates tasks and responsibilities effectively, balancing workload and ensuring optimal utilization of team resources.
• Fosters a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging open communication, idea sharing, and teamwork.
• Mentors and coach team members to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career growth within the company.
• Leads by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the organization's values and culture.
• Handles escalated issues or conflicts within the team, providing guidance and facilitating resolution in a timely and effective manner.
• Collaborates with other departmental managers and stakeholders to ensure alignment of Talent Operations initiatives with broader organizational goals and objectives.
• Prepares performance evaluation documentation; reviews and conducts performance evaluation meetings.
• Reviews and approves associate’s timecards and manages time off requests.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, with active licensure/admission to practice law in New York State.
• Seven+ (7+) years relevant experience in commercial real estate and general corporate or commercial law; banking experience a plus.
• Experience in the real estate due diligence process preferred.
• A minimum of three years of experience in tax research at a prominent law or accounting firm required with a focus on tax counseling and advice for real estate acquisitions and dispositions preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Comprehensive understanding of laws and regulations relevant to Uniland’s policies and operations within the candidate's area of expertise, including the ability to identify emerging trends.
• Proficient in applying technical tax rules within practical business contexts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical, multi-tasking and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong skillset in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Proficiency in supervising and coordinating the work of alternative legal service providers, outside counsel, paraprofessionals, and consultants.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice, providing competent guidance to Company X stakeholders across a broad range of legal and policy issues.
• Quick learner with flexibility, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability in a dynamic commercial real estate environment; willing to take on new challenges beyond day-to-day responsibilities.
• Capacity to foster and sustain a collaborative work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks. 
• Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration. 
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture. 
• Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation. 
• Work will be performed in an in-office environment.    

At Uniland, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees, interns, and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, or local law.