Legal Affairs Manager

Position Purpose

The Legal Affairs Manager assists Senior Director, Compliance with research and analysis for a variety of compliance and legal matters while maintaining confidentiality. Creates, manages, researches, and maintains legal matter files and documentation. Assists with compliance monitoring, providing assistance in legal guidance to management at company’s managed properties. 

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the function
• Leads in a constructive manner by example; demonstrates and encourages a strong work ethic and fosters an environment of trust and respect
• Develops and aligns individual goals with the department's operational goals; ensures that decisions, actions, and priorities are aligned with the company's vision, mission, and strategies 
• Research best practices, stays abreast of industry trends, and maintains awareness of regulatory changes to ensure compliance and continually improve operations
• Contributes to the preparation of the departmental budget and monitors spending
• Provides immediate feedback and directly assists team to maintain level of productivity and deliver daily results
• Supports change initiatives and company decisions in an effective manner
• Fosters a work environment that encourages creative thinking, promotes flexibility, and drives innovation
• Immediately informs management of employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner
• Ensures compliance and consistent application of company policies, initiatives, and decisions

Essential Duties

• Manage lease violations and violations of community rules and regulations
• Draft routine preliminary UD discovery responses
• Work with Landlord Attorney to manage all Three-day notices for violations of Lease Agreement (non-UD)
• Coordinate with third party community patrol for resident compliance checks and noticing
• Coordinate with Accounting Team on UD cases  
• Respond to legal inquiries as needed
• Review ongoing and new cases and advise Senior Director Of Compliance accordingly
• Represent Maximus in all Unlawful Detainers, Rent Board Petitions, and Small Claims cases
• Assist Senior Director Of Compliance in coordination with insurance adjusters and defense council on cases
• Track and correspond with residents regarding renters’ insurance requirements
• Work with Landlord Attorney and assist with lease changes and addendums when needed as well as implementation with Leasing and any third-party software providers involved in implementing lease publication.
• Coordinate with Maximus’ insurance carrier to handle all auto insurance claims
• Coordinate with residents’ renters’ insurance to resolve renters’ insurance claims
• Review and respond to all Reasonable Accommodation requests submitted by residents
• Review and respond to Assistive Animal applications
• Provide Legal overview training to Resident Services during onboarding process and on an on-going basis as needed
• Investigate cases of illegal use of units by residents for referral to Landlord Attorney for legal action (Costa-Hawkins, Short-term rental, three-day notice)
• Coordinate with Resident Services, Maintenance, and Accounting teams on termination of tenancy, securing and vacating units upon notice of a resident’s death.
• Review and track documentation for in-home childcare providers in the community.

• Conducts audits to ensure compliance with regulations and controls 

• Other duties may be assigned

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• College degree required
• At least 5 years of property management experience with at least 2 years specifically in San Francisco
• Experienced in unlawful detainer process in San Francisco
• Experienced in small claims proceedings
• Experienced in representing landlord interests at the San Francisco Rent Board
• Must be able to conduct oneself professionally in phone conversations with residents

Certificates and Licenses

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledgeable with Yardi software
• Knowledgeable on the core business functions
• Proficient with digital tools, Microsoft Office Suite software
• Ability to work independently and manage various open projects and work streams 
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Working conditions

Environment:                         ☒ General office ☐ Property ☒ Remote position that requires working from home

Work Standards

• Follows established policies and procedures by monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and operational processes related to area(s) of responsibility (zone) and reporting violations or infractions to appropriate individual(s).
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Company, property, and departmental policies, procedures, and standards by immediately reporting any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, employee/visitor/resident injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to appropriate individual(s).
• Identifies areas for improvement and offers suggestions to improve the property’s efficiency, profitability, and productivity.
• Keeps abreast of current changes in technology, leasing and sales tools, processes, and standards within the industry and area(s) of responsibility by attending internal and external training programs and by accessing other sources of information and applies knowledge and practices to area(s) of responsibility.

Physical Requirements 

• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Continually required to talk or hear
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 20 pounds