THE OPPORTUNITY – About GY Properties

GY Properties is a U.S. real estate company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in acquisition, development, construction and in-house management of multifamily residential properties and high-end residential condominiums. GY Properties has been doing business for more than 30 years in the Philadelphia region, with growth into the Baltimore and Pittsburgh areas.

At GY Properties our mission is to create homes and communities by focusing on location, wellness, and innovation for our residents and investors. Our core values include treating our residents, employees, and investors with respect and honesty, being accountable, innovating, and working together inclusively.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an qualifed and proactive In-House Legal Counsel or Senior Paralegal to join our team. This role will serve as a key legal resource supporting operations, property management, human resources, and executive leadership. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of landlord-tenant law, fair housing regulations, and contract negotiation, as well as general business and employment law. Candidates with a paralegal background and strong litigation or housing law experience are encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Claims & Disputes:

• Investigate, manage, and resolve legal claims related to properties, including personal injury, property damage, and regulatory complaints.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers and outside counsel when necessary.

Landlord-Tenant Matters:

• Handle or assist with eviction proceedings, non-payment cases, breach of lease matters, and related court filings and appearances.
• Draft and review notices, court pleadings, and settlement agreements.

Fair Housing Compliance:

• Ensure company policies and practices comply with Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing laws.
• Provide guidance and training on reasonable accommodation and modification requests.

Lease Management:

• Review and interpret lease agreements and enforce lease terms.
• Draft and manage lease amendments, addendums, and resident communications.

Resident Relations & Regulatory Issues:

• Respond to legal disputes, complaints, and regulatory claims (e.g., HUD, PHRC).
• Work closely with the property management team to resolve resident concerns with a legal dimension.

Vendor & Contractor Agreements:

• Review, draft, and negotiate vendor contracts, scopes of work, and service agreements.
• Resolve disputes with contractors and service providers in collaboration with operations staff.

Code Compliance & Ordinance Review:

• Interpret and advise on local housing codes, building regulations, and municipal policies.
• Liaise with city officials, inspectors, and compliance authorities to resolve code violations.

Litigation Management:

• Serve as liaison between the company and external legal counsel.
• Organize and prepare documentation, affidavits, and internal reports to support litigation.

Operational Risk & Policy Development:

• Provide legal insight on operational policies to minimize risk exposure.
• Conduct legal research and policy reviews as needed.

Employment Law & HR Support:

• Advise HR on employee relations, terminations, harassment claims, and leave policies.
• Draft and review employment agreements, separation, and severance documents.
• Monitor changes in state and federal labor laws and help ensure compliance.

Additionally, this role will serve as the company liaison to outside legal counsel when external expertise is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Adherence to the company's mission and values in all aspects of the job.
• J.D. (for Legal Counsel) or Paralegal Certificate with substantial legal experience (for Senior Paralegal).
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in real estate, housing law, or general business law.
• Strong knowledge of landlord-tenant law and fair housing regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Experience in property management or working with housing authorities.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania and/or Maryland landlord-tenant and employment law.
• Courtroom or administrative hearing experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the highest level of integrity.
• Highly motivated with a strong desire and ability to learn quickly.
• Responsive and open to feedback and growth.
• Effective communication with all stakeholders, including employees, management, and other departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal document management systems.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The compensation for this position is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. GY Properties offers a robust compensation package that includes company paid health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching, dental and vision insurance, vacation and paid time off, an employee referral program, rent discounts, complementary employee parking, and opportunities for continuing education and training.

GY Properties currently requires the COVID-19 vaccination for all employees, other than those with religious or medical exemptions. This is a full-time in-office position.

Join our dynamic corporate team! If you are a motivated individual looking for a role where every day is different, we would love to hear from you. Apply today!