Senior Litigation & Operations Counsel

Company Description

Since opening our first self-storage facility in 1972, Public Storage has grown to become the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the world. With thousands of locations across the U.S. and Europe, and more than 170 million net rentable square feet of real estate, we're also one of the largest landlords.

We've been recognized as A Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute. And, our employees have also voted us as having Best Career Growth, ranked us in the Top 5% for Work Culture, and in the Top 10% for Diversity and Inclusion.

We're a member of the S&P 500 and FT Global 500. Our common and preferred stocks trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic legal professional to join our team as Senior Litigation & Operations Counsel.  This role will be instrumental in managing the company's litigation, as well as providing comprehensive strategic legal advice to our field operations team and other functions on a wide range of business, compliance, regulatory, and other issues. The ideal candidate will be a proactive legal partner able to navigate the complexities of our business environment with integrity and strategic acumen.  Additionally, the role will involve consulting with business units on compliance, risk mitigation, addressing customer issues, responding to government inquiries, and managing and reporting on legal operations and budget matters. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong academic credentials and over 10 years of relevant private practice and in-house experience. They will be an experienced and business-minded attorney, a strong and decisive negotiator, an efficient multi-tasker, and a skilled people and project manager. 

Responsibilities: 

• Litigation Management: Lead, manage, and oversee all aspects of the company’s litigation, administrative matters, and other legal disputes, including strategy, budgeting, and supervision of outside counsel.  Develop and implement litigation strategies that align with business objectives and risk tolerance. Represent the company in court proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations.  Analyze litigation trends and outcomes to inform future strategies and decision-making. 

• Operational and Business Advice and Counsel: Provide strategic legal counsel to our field operations teams and other business functions on legal matters, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.  Stay abreast of legal developments and best practices relevant to the company's operations.  Partner with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives and projects with legal analysis and recommendations.  Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on critical legal and business strategies.  Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements pertinent to field operations.  Provide training and guidance to field operations staff on legal and compliance matters. 

• Dispute Resolution and Investigations: Address customer issues and respond to inquiries from government agencies.  Conduct internal investigations and audits as required.  Ensure prompt and effective responses to regulatory and legal inquiries. 

• Regulatory and Compliance: Advise on and implement policies and practices that ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local laws.  Collaborate with internal departments to support compliance initiatives and mitigate legal risks.  Develop training programs to educate employees on legal and regulatory requirements.  Areas of emphasis include data privacy, cybersecurity, marketing, consumer protection, and employment matters.  

• Budgeting and Reporting: Monitor legal expenditures and assist in managing the legal department's budget.  Prepare profit and loss (P&L) and other reports related to legal activities. 

• Leadership and Collaboration: Supervise and develop a team of 1 legal professional to ensure cohesive and comprehensive legal support.  Build and maintain strong and productive relationships internal and external stakeholders. 

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school 

• Admission to a state bar and in good standing, with the ability to practice law as in-house counsel in Texas 

• 8 to 10 years of legal experience, with a focus on litigation and business counseling 

• Strong subject-matter expertise and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations 

• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities