General Counsel

Houston, TX, United States

IN-PERSON - HOUSTON, TX.

Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone.Our Mission is to create value and enhance economic prosperity by promoting the Houston region.

The ideal candidates provide vigorous advocacy, skilled and pro-active legal advice to Houston First Corporation. Serve as the legal advisor/representative to senior leadership regarding corporate matters. Provide counsel to various Boards of Directors and corporate Committees and assist with the associated corporate secretarial function. Render opinions, review proposed policies and other work products, draft and negotiate contracts and other instruments and provide all other services incident to the office as may be required by law.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Corporate Governance

Provide legal counsel to Houston First Corporation,

Prepare certificates of formation, bylaws, charters, resolutions, agendas and minutes of Boards of Directors and corporate Committees.

Establish corporate authorities and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Monitor compliance with governance structure, state law, corporate authorities and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

General Corporate Responsibilities

Assist in revising and implementing organizational structures.

Craft key policies, procedures and positions on legal issues.

Act as the custodian of record for the Texas Public Information Act.

Contract for advice furnished by outside attorneys who possess special expertise and supervise and assist outside counsel with discovery and litigation.

Administer the Interlocal Agreement and Lease Agreement with the City of Houston.

Identify and analyze legal issues, prepare memoranda and key documents, present clear recommendations and assure compliance.

Provide legal advice, as requested, to the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel senior management.

Construction and Development Activities

Draft and negotiate complex construction-related agreements.

Provide legal counsel throughout the construction process.

Draft and negotiate agreements and other related instruments for new hotel developments.

Draft and negotiate mortgage loan agreements.

Draft and negotiate office and retail leases.

Engage developers, architects and engineers.

Lead activities to acquire tracts of land for future expansion and development.

Guide the Joint Referral Process when required

Sponsorships, Marketing and Social Media Draft and negotiate agreements for:

Branding;

Exclusive products, including pouring rights;

Special events/acquisitions;

Sponsorships;

Contests and Sweepstakes; and

Film, image and location releases.

Event Licensing and Ownership Manage and negotiate license agreements for:

Events at the George R. Brown, Wortham Theater Center, Jones Hall, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and Avenida Plaza; and Lynn Wyatt Square

Event agreements for “Fam” events.

Draft agreements and forms related to event-ownership interest.

Contracts and Solicitations

Draft and negotiate Request for Proposals, bids and agreements for:

Major facility service agreements: Food & Beverage, Security, Operations and Maintenance, Elevator and Escalator Services, Parking Management, and Landscaping Services;

Capital projects including Job Order Contracts;

Software hosting and licenses; and

Professional services – architects, engineers and consultants.

Insurance and Risk Assessment Provide litigation/claims management.

Draft and negotiate agreements with insurance broker of record.

Participate in insurance procurement process and selection.

Ensure limited risk exposure while being sensitive to the responsibility of the corporate entities to determine acceptable levels of risk.

Monitor incident reports on a daily basis.

Human Resources

Address Human Resources issues and team member concerns.

Assist HR with preparation of the Team Member Handbook.

Provide advice on benefit plans, including the 457(b)

Consistently work with Human Resources to address all issues relating to employment law, discrimination, diversity and equal employment opportunity.

Provide legal guidance regarding furloughs, layoffs and voluntary separation programs.

Other General Legal Matters

Prepare annual budget for the General Counsel Department.

Obtain and maintain trademarks.

Obtain IP addresses and draft and negotiate agreements for IP applications.

Draft and assist in advancing the corporate Diversity Program.

Manage pension litigation.

Prepare reports and presentations.

Other duties and projects as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training and supervising team members.

Plan, assign and appraise performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Jurisprudence Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Member in good standing with the Texas State Bar.

Twenty years or more of experience as a corporate attorney with overall broad legal knowledge and specific experience in business organizations and municipal governmental law, transactional law, real estate matters and employment liability.

Fifteen years’ experience in an organizational leadership role.

Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives.

High degree of professional ethics, integrity and gravitas.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Computer literacy with ability to use programs such as Word and Excel.

Proven team leader with a high level of energy and self-motivation.

Counseling skills, with the ability to develop personnel reporting directly to the General Counsel.

Exceptional communication skills including oral, written and listening.

Ability to motivate the General Counsel team to produce quality work in tight timeframes.

Ability to facilitate and participate in group meetings.

Understanding, yet persuasive and decisive, when dealing with others in the organization.

Thorough understanding of occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

No major sources of discomfort; essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

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