Job Summary
The Operations Compliance Attorney reports to the Director of Legal Operations and serves as a primary legal resource for emotional support animal (ESA) request review and related compliance under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This role also provides broader legal counsel and support to property operations and corporate departments to ensure MAA policies and practices align with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
The successful candidate will embody and reinforce MAA’s Core Values:
Duties and Responsibilities
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Review & Analysis
Reviews, analyzes, and makes determinations on emotional support animal requests in accordance with company policy and applicable fair housing and disability laws.
Conducts screening analyses of ESA submissions and provides written documentation supporting acceptance or denial decisions.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of evolving legal authorities impacting ESA-related policies and compliance.
Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
Provides legal counsel and guidance to property operations on issues arising under the FHA, ADA, and related state and local laws.
Investigates and manages defense of fair housing and disability-related claims, including preparing position statements, responding to document requests, and coordinating witness interviews.
Drafts, reviews, and interprets internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with fair housing and accessibility requirements.
Collaborates with internal departments and external counsel to maintain consistent and legally compliant practices across MAA’s portfolio.
Operational Legal Support
Assists property operations by assessing and providing legal counsel on lease interpretation and other resident matters.
Researches and interprets emerging legal issues within the multifamily housing industry and assess implications for MAA policies and operations.
Prepares and conducts legal training sessions for managers and other associates.
Performs other related duties as assigned to meet business needs.
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
Admission and membership to the State Bar Association of Tennessee, or another state in which MAA operates, required.
Three or more years of legal practice experience in real estate, landlord-tenant, fair housing, ADA compliance, or related fields required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience providing legal counsel supporting business operations or multifamily housing preferred.
Experience with emotional support animal verification processes and housing discrimination claims preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to fair housing, accessibility, and multifamily housing operations.
Ability to apply legal reasoning and judgment to complex compliance and operational challenges.
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Professional verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence outcomes without direct authority.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with electronic databases and compliance platforms.
Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
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.