Legal Support Specialist

Reporting to the Senior Manager, the candidate works alongside other members of the Legal Services team in the day-to-day management of legal issues associated with the ownership and operation of the Company’s multi-family residential communities. Work will involve independently responding to legal/operational inquiries from regional and on-site team members  and assisting with the preparation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of legal policies, procedures, lease documents and other applicant and resident-facing materials. This position will interact with all members of the Legal Services team, as well as property management and investment team members, and employees in various corporate departments.

PLEASE NOTE: Our current onsite work schedule requires attendance from Monday through Thursday each week, with remote work permitted on Fridays.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.  College degree preferred.
• 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.

The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor to limit the Company’s right to assign other functions to an employee in this position. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

SALARY:

$71,000 to $86,700 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary 10.5% annual bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TOTAL WELLBEING:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision care 
• Social Wellbeing: 9 paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits
• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, Competitive Compensation
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development
• Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

RELOCATION:

Equity Residential does not cover relocation costs for this opportunity; all relocation and related expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL ACTIVITIES:

Ability to effectively hear, speak, and communicate in person and over the phone, including the clear exchange of information through spoken and written communication. Ability to interpret, evaluate, and accurately convey detailed verbal and written instructions. Visual acuity sufficient to use a computer effectively and read written materials. Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 15 pounds to distribute documents, supplies, and materials throughout the office or facility. May be required to climb stairs depending on property layout.

The above describes the physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the essential functions of this job. “Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law to enable otherwise qualified employees with a known disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Our work environment is casual, collaborative, and people-first. Team members are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, share ideas openly, and communicate comfortably across all levels of the organization. While we value professionalism and accountability, we also believe a relaxed atmosphere fosters creativity, productivity, and strong working relationships. Employees enjoy a flexible, supportive culture where teamwork, mutual respect, and a sense of balance are priorities.

Equity Residential is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Equity Residential is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Equity Residential has a smoke-free workplace environment.

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. 

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won’t be treated as simply another employee — you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing. 

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value — in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive. 

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.