Counsel, Operations Atlanta, GA

At Cortland we operate with a forward-thinking approach that challenges conventional norms and actively seeks insights beyond traditional industry boundaries. As a recognized leader in the multifamily sector our focus on performance innovation and disciplined execution continues to drive strong growth and market leadership. We are committed to building a best-in-class organization by empowering top talent with the resources autonomy and support needed to deliver results and advance their careers in a high-performance environment.

Role Overview

As the Counsel Operations youll serve as the senior legal advisor for the companys residential operations providing strategic counsel on resident matters property management compliance litigation and risk management. Youll partner closely with Operations leadership to protect the organization support community performance and ensure legal compliance across the residential portfolio.

Community Operations Compliance & Risk Management

• Serve as the lead legal advisor for Operations and Community teams on issues impacting day-to-day property management activities.
• Provide practical legal guidance that supports operational objectives while mitigating risk.
• Ensure compliance with federal state and local laws governing multifamily housing including Fair Housing landlord-tenant regulations ADA requirements privacy and consumer protection laws.
• Monitor regulatory developments and recommend operational changes to maintain compliance across the portfolio.
• Lead operational compliance reviews investigations audits regulatory responses and training initiatives.
• Partner with Risk Management and Operations leaders to identify assess and reduce legal and operational risks.

Resident Property & Litigation Matters

• Advise community management and operations teams on legal matters affecting residential communities.
• Counsel stakeholders on resident disputes lease enforcement Fair Housing matters reasonable accommodation requests evictions collections resident safety concerns and community policies.
• Direct litigation strategy and oversee outside counsel for claims arbitration administrative proceedings and dispute resolution matters.
• Manage matters involving premises liability personal injury property damage resident disputes employment-related operational claims and regulatory investigations.
• Analyze claims and litigation trends to identify risk mitigation opportunities and improve operational practices.

Business Partnership Operations & Legal Support

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to leaders across Operations Human Resources Finance Asset Management Risk Management and Revenue Operations.
• Provide practical legal guidance that supports community operations while balancing business objectives and risk.
• Draft review and negotiate contracts and agreements supporting property operations vendor relationships resident services and other operational initiatives.
• Partner with business leaders to evaluate legal risks and develop solutions that support strategic and operational goals.
• Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear actionable guidance for operational teams.
• Manage outside counsel relationships litigation budgets and legal resources related to community operations.
• Develop scalable legal processes policies and compliance frameworks that promote consistency and operational excellence across the portfolio.
• Build strong partnerships throughout the organization to foster proactive risk management and compliance.
• Lead a team of 2-3 direct reports with thoughtful leadership focused on departmental and individual professional growth.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the Georgia Bar or eligibility to obtain Georgia in-house counsel authorization upon hire.
• 7 years of legal experience supporting multifamily housing property management residential real estate or related operations.
• 2 years of in-house Counsel experience preferred
• Expertise in landlord-tenant law Fair Housing ADA accommodations lease enforcement evictions collections resident disputes and premises liability.
• Experience managing litigation regulatory matters claims investigations and dispute resolution.
• In-house counsel experience within a multifamily owner/operator property management company REIT or residential real estate organization preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-state portfolios and navigating varying regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting real estate transactions including acquisitions dispositions financings development projects and contract negotiations.
• Proven ability to advise executive leadership manage outside counsel and deliver practical business-oriented legal solutions that balance risk management with operational objectives.
• Ability to travel as needed to provide legal trainings.

About Cortland

Founded in 2005 Cortland is an international vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment development and management firm with a resident-centric approach to living experiences. Recognized as one of the top 10 multifamily owners and operators in the US Cortland combines in-house design construction and operations to deliver value and innovation across its portfolio.

Join us as we reimagine apartment living and drive outsized returns through purpose performance and people.

Cortland is an equal opportunity employer and were proud to support and celebrate diversity in the workplace. We are committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race color religion gender sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability protected veteran status genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance with the application process and/or using our website please email

Cortland is a drug-free workplace.

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