In-House Counsel-Landlord Tenant and Risk Management

Overview

The In-House Counsel, Contracts & Risk serves as Plymouth Housing’s primary legal advisor for contract management, enterprise risk, and landlord-tenant / housing matters. The role partners across departments to negotiate, draft, and standardize agreements with vendors and partners, ensuring terms are clear, enforceable, and compliant with regulatory and policy requirements. It maintains the contract management system—tracking key dates, obligations, and renewals—and provides practical guidance so teams can execute projects confidently and on time. Beyond contracts, this counsel leads Plymouth’s risk and safety posture, reviews incidents and claims, coordinates with HR and operations on corrective actions, and manages organizational strategies to mitigate property and liability risk. The role evaluates contractual risk (insurance, indemnification, hold-harmless), monitors compliance with OSHA / L&I and related life-safety standards, and, in partnership with relevant leaders and outside counsel as needed, oversees litigation and complaints tied to risk, safety, and health. On landlord-tenant and housing law, the counsel advises on leasing and compliance, fair housing, rent collection and tenant disputes, and—when warranted—represents the agency in eviction proceedings. They draft and update lease forms, notices, and housing templates, and work closely with Property Management, Quality, Innovation & Health, People Strategy & Operations, and Executive leadership to resolve resident and operational issues. The role also builds strong working relationships with community partners and government agencies to support Plymouth’s mission and ensure consistent, lawful practices, and ensures OSHA / L&I and life-safety compliance, providing clear, timely legal guidance to support mission-critical decisions.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO BE DOING IN THIS ROLE AT PLYMOUTH HOUSING

Contract Management

• Work closely with internal teams to negotiate contractual arrangements with established and / or potential vendors, with approved contract guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Develop contract documentation, clearly specifying terms, including legal, regulatory, policy, financial and other requirements to support contract implementation and minimize misunderstandings of contract intent.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure contract provisions are consistent across providers and that applicable legal and regulatory terms are included in the signed contract.
• Provide guidance on contract terms and compliance requirements.
• Maintain the contract management system to track key dates, obligations, and renewals. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key counterparts representing vendors and internal colleagues to support Plymouth initiatives.
• Collaborate with the insurance broker to review contract language regarding insurance requirements.

Risk Management

Landlord-Tenant and Housing Law

Partnerships and Collaborations

Working Conditions

This is a full-time position with benefits. We offer medical Insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 8 free counseling sessions per clinical issue per year, 21 paid leave days per year, 10 paid holidays, 4 wellness days per year, retirement 403(b), flex spending account, employee assistance program, subsidized ORCA pass and we pay 100% for basic life insurance and long-term disability. Join us and be a catalyst for positive change!

plymouth housing is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, train and promote employees based on merit and business needs, and without regard for race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, military status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.

The Job Description provided by Plymouth Housing outlines the essential functions and qualifications of the role to the best of our ability. While it provides a comprehensive overview, it does not encompass every duty, responsibility, or qualification associated with the position. We recognize the need for flexibility and reasonable accommodation, and therefore, this document is subject to modifications to meet individual needs as appropriate. It is important to note that this Job Description does not constitute a contractual agreement.

Qualifications

7+ years relevant legal experience including landlord-tenant law, nonprofit housing; knowledge of supportive housing models and housing subsidies; experience in risk assessment, mitigation strategies and compliance management; experience in property management operations.

Education and / or Licensing

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing to practice in Washington.

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