Attorney ESA | Corporate Headquarters

Job Summary

The Attorney reports to the Attorney for Operations and provides legal support relating to emotional support animal (ESA) requests and Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act issues.

The successful candidate will embody and work to reinforce MAA’s Core Values. Those values include:

• Appreciating the uniqueness of each individual

• Communicating openly and with integrity

• Embracing opportunities

• Doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports MAA by reviewing and analyzing emotional support animal requests and applying screening analysis of submissions.

• Makes decisions regarding acceptance or denial of emotional support animal requests consistent with internal policies and local, state, and federal fair housing laws and regulations.

• Provides direct support and guidance to operations on issues related to emotional support animal requests.

• Investigates and manages defense of fair housing claims, including preparation of position statements, responses to document requests, and witness interviews.

• Maintains knowledge of legal authorities with implications for MAA’s emotional support animal review process.

• Assists in ensuring compliance with company policies and local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

• Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the business.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree required.
• Three or more years of litigation experience required.
• Admission and membership to the State Bar Association of Tennessee or another state in which MAA operates required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the multifamily housing industry.

• Knowledge of multidisciplinary business principles and practices to achieve successful outcomes in cross-functional projects and activities.

• Ability to achieve goals through direct and indirect influence and collaboration.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied to complex legal challenges.

• Accuracy and attention to detail with qualitative and quantitative data.

• Computer skills with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Ability to learn and use multiple electronic applications, databases, and platforms used by MAA.

• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks and projects, and meet deadlines.

• Skill and ability to collaborate within a team as well as operate independently.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and maintain appropriate discretion.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Disclaimer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.