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. They review incidents and claims, coordinate with HR and operations on corrective actions, and manage 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. Ensures OSHA/L&I and life-safety compliance, and supports mission-critical decisions with clear, timely legal guidance.

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 others thus allowing for implementation of the contract and minimizing/preventing internal/external misunderstandings of contract intent.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure contract provisions are consistent across providers and ensure applicable legal and regulatory terms are included in the signed contract.
• Provide guidance on contract terms and compliance requirements.
• Maintain contract management system to track key dates, obligations ad renewals. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key counterparts representing the vendor and key internal colleagues to allow for support of Plymouth initiatives.
• Collaborate with insurance broker to review contract language regarding insurance requirements

Risk Management 

• Manage security and security strategies for the organization.
• Review and analyze incidents, accidents, and claims to identify trends and opportunities for training and/or process improvements to reduce risk.
• Review reports with appropriate department(s) and PSO and initiate actions to mitigate recurrences.
• Lead efforts to identify and mitigate property and liability risks.
• Review contracts for risk identification; review and approve insurance requirements, indemnification clauses, and hold harmless clauses on various Plymouth leases, contracts; request for construction bids, vendor agreements, agreements with service organizations, and resident associations.
• Review contracts for risk policy.
• Monitor compliance with Labor & Industries (L&I), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other life/safety regulations; work directly with the regulators and perform organizational audits of regulatory compliance.
• In partnership with appropriate departments, oversee litigation and complaints related to risk, safety and health.

 

Landlord-Tenant and Housing law

• Provide guidance on landlord-tenant matters, including lease agreements and compliance, rent collection issues, tenant disputes, eviction process, and Fair housing compliance.
• Represent the agency in landlord-tenant litigation, including eviction proceedings. 
• Assess and mitigate potential legal risks, offer guidance to property management teams on compliance and tenant conduct.
• Draft, review and update lease agreements, notices, and related Housing documents and templates.
• Work closely with Property management, Quality Innovation & Health, and Executive leadership to resolve legal issues involving residents or agency operations.

Partnerships and collaborations 

• Advise property management, Quality Innovation & Health, People Strategy & Operations and Executive leadership on legal matters impacting daily operations.
• Build and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including community partners, resident leaders, and government agencies.

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The working environment at Plymouth Housing is supportive and inclusive, fostering a culture of teamwork, empathy, and respect for all staff members and residents.
• This role is primarily based in an office setting, requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Occasional walking and standing may be necessary for tasks such as attending meetings or conducting training sessions.
• Occasional travel may be required for training sessions, audits, or conferences.
• This position may offer flexibility for remote work, requiring reliable internet access and a suitable workspace at home.
• Light physical activity such as lifting and carrying documents, files, and laptop computers (up to 20 pounds).
• Ability to handle work-related stress and manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently. 

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 described 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.

Pay Type: Annual

Salary Range: $209,061 - $235,000 USD

Please apply through the job link.