The General Counsel will serve as the company’s top legal advisor, providing strategic leadership across all legal aspects of Havenpark’s complex, vertically integrated business operations. This senior executive will oversee legal affairs spanning real estate acquisitions and dispositions, fund structuring and compliance, corporate governance, regulatory oversight, litigation, employment matters, risk management, general property operations, and vendor/partner contracting. In addition to building a scalable internal legal framework, the General Counsel will manage key external legal relationships to support specialized matters and high-impact engagements.
This role requires a seasoned legal leader with deep experience in real estate, fund management, and corporate operations. The ideal candidate will combine business-minded judgment with technical legal expertise and be comfortable advising the executive team, leading outside counsel relationships, and developing an internal legal framework that scales with the company’s growth.
Respsonsibilities Legal Strategy & Executive LeadershipServe as the company’s top legal advisor, working closely with executive leadership on enterprise-level legal and strategic matters. Provide thought leadership on legal risk, deal structuring, and corporate governance. Lead and build an internal legal framework that aligns with business objectives and risk tolerance.Corporate & Fund OversightOversee legal structuring for real estate investment vehicles and joint ventures, including fund documentation, regulatory compliance, and investor negotiations. Ensure legal documentation aligns with business strategy, securities law requirements, and fiduciary obligations.Real Estate Transactions & OperationsProvide legal oversight and guidance on acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and development projects. Review and negotiate purchase agreements, leases, easements, and entitlement documents. Support due diligence and deal execution across Havenpark’s national portfolio.Risk Management, Compliance & LitigationEstablish and maintain internal compliance programs, particularly with respect to SEC, real estate, employment, and environmental regulations. Oversee the Risk department, all legal claims, and litigation. Manage outside counsel and advise leadership on litigation strategy and risk mitigation.Contracting & Vendor ManagementStandardize and streamline legal processes for reviewing and negotiating vendor, construction, and service contracts. Ensure risk allocation aligns with company standards and that agreements are enforceable, fair, and protective of the company’s interests.Employment Law & People SupportAdvise on employment policies, benefits, terminations, and labor law compliance. Work closely with HR to manage employment-related disputes and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Qualifications Education & Certifications:J.D. from an accredited law schoolActive license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdictionExperience & Skills:15+ years of legal experience, including in-house leadership at a private equity real estate or investment management firmDeep expertise in real estate transactions, fund formation, and corporate governanceFamiliarity with SEC regulations, private placement, and investor reporting obligationsExperience managing internal teams and outside counsel relationshipsProven ability to translate complex legal issues into business decisionsHigh integrity, sound judgment, and excellent interpersonal and communication skillsStrong leadership presence with a collaborative, low-ego approachSelf-motivated and able to work with minimal supervisionAbility to collaborate with a diverse group of employees to achieve shared goalsPhysical Demands:This is a primarily office-based position with typical physical demands related to extended computer use. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, support transactions, or manage litigation.
