General Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

General Counsel

Austin, TX
$195,000 – $250,000+ / year

OVERVIEW

An Austin-based real estate development and management company is seeking an experienced General Counsel to serve as the organization’s senior legal leader and strategic advisor. This high-visibility executive role will work directly with the President & CEO and oversee legal strategy across acquisitions, development, corporate governance, compliance, employment matters, and risk management for a growing real estate platform focused on student housing and multifamily communities.

This position is ideal for a business-minded real estate attorney who thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and enjoys building scalable legal infrastructure while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to executive leadership on legal, compliance, and risk-related matters
• Lead legal strategy for real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development projects, joint ventures, and financing transactions
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and financing documents
• Oversee corporate governance, entity management, operating agreements, and corporate records across multiple entities
• Develop and maintain compliance frameworks across multiple operating states
• Advise leadership on employment law matters, employee relations, and multi-state compliance issues
• Build and implement scalable legal processes, templates, and internal procedures
• Manage relationships with outside counsel across various legal disciplines
• Provide strategic legal guidance while balancing business objectives and operational needs
• Support leadership with proactive risk management and decision-making initiatives

WHY YOU MATTER

This role will play a foundational part in shaping the company’s long-term growth strategy and legal infrastructure. Your ability to provide practical legal guidance, support complex real estate transactions, and build scalable systems will directly impact the organization’s operational success and continued expansion.

WHAT IT TAKES

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
• Active bar license in good standing
• 6–8+ years of legal experience with significant exposure to real estate transactions
• Strong experience handling acquisitions, development, financing, and complex real estate deals
• Ability to provide practical, business-minded legal guidance and risk assessment
• Experience advising executive leadership teams preferred
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Experience with student housing, multifamily, or vertically integrated real estate platforms preferred
• Texas bar licensure preferred or willingness to obtain Texas licensure required

IDEAL CANDIDATE TRAITS

• Strategic and business-oriented thinker
• Confident communicator and trusted advisor
• Highly organized and solutions-focused
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Collaborative leadership style with strong professional judgment
• Proactive and capable of building scalable systems and processes

THE PERKS

• $195,000 – $250,000+ annual compensation depending on experience
• Medical coverage with multiple plan options
• Employer HSA contribution for eligible plans
• Dental and vision insurance
• ClassPass membership or complimentary Gold’s Gym membership
• 24/7 telemedicine access
• Employee assistance programs and mental health support
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental insurance options through Aflac
• Employee discount and rewards programs
• Wellness and professional development support