The General Counsel leads the in-house legal team and reports to the Company's Chief Financial Officer. The General Counsel is responsible for giving advice and counsel to the Company's CEO, CFO, and other senior executives in all markets. The General Counsel must ensure that the day-to-day legal needs of the Company are addressed with the highest level of service and timeliness, while also planning strategically for the long-term growth and stability of the Company. Why DRB: We are an exciting and growing company that will provide interesting and varied challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact We have a strong team of coworkers and leaders who are supportive, friendly, accomplished, and committed to the success of the Company Competitive salary and benefits This position will start in Frederick, Maryland and then in April 2019, our corporate headquarters will move to Rockville, on the top floor of a nicely remodeled office building with fitness center, large balcony, and coffee shop, convenient to I-270, Shady Grove Metro Station, and many other shops and restaurants Job Responsibilities Serve as the key legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures Draft, review, and/or negotiate all lot and land purchase agreements, leases, contracts of sale, vendor agreements, and all other agreements made in the course of business Judge the merits of court cases filed against or on behalf of the Company, work with other senior executives to define a litigation strategy consistent with the Company's goals and objectives, and then manage that litigation actively to a successful conclusion Assume ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the Company conducts its business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations Establish and enforce corporate policies, procedures, and programs aimed at the legal protection of the Company Provide continuing counsel and guidance on the legal implications of operational decisions Structure and manage the Company's internal legal function and staff within budget, while maintaining the highest standards for the delivery of legal services Conduct mid-year and annual reviews with each direct report to foster effectiveness, engagement, growth, and job satisfaction Oversee the selection, retention, management, and evaluation of all outside counsel Advise on the legal aspects of the Company's financing, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal entities Ensure that all vendors of the company are properly licensed and insured Participate on the Company's Land Acquisition Committee, which reviews and approves all lot and land acquisitions Advise on all intellectual property matters affecting the Company Work closely with the Vice President of Human Resources to address all employment-related matters Assist the CFO in mitigating risk to the Company, including annual review and renewal of insurance policies, considering the types of coverage and limits obtained Develop annual legal budget for the legal department, and make recommendations for legal budgets of each operating division, all for approval by the CEO and CFO Participate actively in CEO's monthly staff meetings and periodic senior leadership meetings and work closely with other corporate department leaders to provide comprehensive services to the Company's operating divisions Other duties as assigned Qualifications: The position of General Counsel requires an accomplished attorney with a positive attitude who is willing and able to think broadly and strategically while also getting involved in minutiae as needed. Some functions may be delegated to a skilled staff, in which event the General Counsel must have immediate knowledge of all major decisions and must give advice and direction as needed. Some functions may not be delegated and will require direct involvement from the General Counsel. In all cases, the ultimate responsibility for all functions rests with the General Counsel, and therefore judgment and diligence are critical. Education: JD from an accredited law school Must be licensed to practice law in at least one US jurisdiction in which the Company currently operates, and Maryland is strongly preferred Required Experience: 10+ years of sophisticated legal experience at a well-regarded law firm, an established in-house legal department, or some combination thereof Advising and/or negotiating real estate transactions Handling corporate, residential homebuilding, landlord/tenant, vendor/supplier/ subcontractor disputes, employment, environmental, and safety law matters Handling commercial transactions including financing, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures Familiarity with issues that arise in civil litigation relating to construction defects, insurance coverage, employment matters, and contracts Familiarity with real estate title research and review and methods of curing title defects Positive attitude that fosters an environment of "Yes, if " rather than "No" Excellent judgment, to consider and weigh competing interests and make consistently sound decisions Strong intellect, to find creative and efficient solutions to novel issues High initiative, to recognize and address areas where the Company can improve Absolute integrity, to act ethically in furtherance of the Company's objectives Affinity for both big-picture thinking and detail-oriented execution High self-confidence tempered by respect for others and appreciation for teamwork Ability to manage quickly changing and demanding environment Strong oral and written communication skills Effective leadership and interpersonal skills Ability to manage long-term projects to successful and timely completion