Sr. Manager - Legal

Role Title:

Reporting to:

Purpose

• Will be responsible for overseeing the legal aspects of leasing activities, ensuring that all leasing contracts, agreements, and transactions comply with company business objectives, applicable laws and regulations. To support the organization in managing real estate leases, handling disputes, and ensuring effective risk management in all leasing operations.
• Will be responsible to coordinate and manage title due diligence of land parcels which the company intends to develop, either owned by group companies or external land owners.

Key Responsibilities

Leasing Legal Advisory:

• Provide legal advice and guidance on leasing matters, including negotiation, structuring, and drafting lease agreements, amendments, and renewals.
• Review, analyze, and interpret lease contracts to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Advise on issues related to commercial, residential, and retail leases, as well as subleases and lease modifications.

Contract Negotiations & Management:

• Lead negotiations for complex leasing agreements with landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders.
• Draft and review lease agreements, ensuring favourable terms for the organization while minimizing legal risks.
• Manage the lifecycle of leasing contracts, ensuring timely renewals, amendments, and compliance with lease terms.

Legal Risk Management:

• Identify and assess potential legal risks related to leasing, including disputes, defaults, or other breaches of contract.
• Provide strategies for risk mitigation and recommend solutions for resolving legal issues.
• Oversee the resolution of disputes, including litigation, arbitration, or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal real estate and leasing laws, including zoning, environmental regulations, and building codes.
• Stay updated on changes in leasing laws and regulations and communicate relevant changes to the business.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., finance, property management) to ensure adherence to legal requirements.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead and coordinate with the legal firms specializing in leasing matters.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including real estate, finance, and operations teams, to support leasing strategies and goals.
• Manage external legal counsel when necessary, ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of resources.

Land acquisition

• Due Diligence & Compliance: Coordinate and oversee the due diligence process, including title searches, land surveys, and environmental assessments.
• Ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtained before completing acquisitions.
• Manage legal documentation related to land acquisition, including contracts, agreements, and regulatory submissions.
• Conduct detailed title searches and review public records to verify the ownership history and legal status of land parcels.
• Identify any encumbrances, liens, easements, covenants, or restrictions on the property title that could impact the acquisition process.
• Examine and analyze deeds, mortgages, tax liens, court judgments, and other relevant legal documents.

Job Specifications

Qualifications and Skills:

• LLM/LLB or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum 15-20 years of experience in commercial leasing, real estate law, or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of real estate laws, regulations, and market practices.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and drafting skills.

• Ability to identify legal risks and provide effective solutions.

• High attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

• Experience working with both internal and external stakeholders