OVERVIEW

The In-House Counsel will serve as the primary legal advisor for Black Swan Living. This role requires a strong generalist attorney with experience in real estate, corporate governance, compliance, litigation, and employment law. You’ll manage a wide variety of matters, from investor documentation and acquisitions to landlord-tenant issues and HR compliance.
You will not be alone in this role—our In-House Counsel will collaborate with a trusted network of domain-specific attorneys, including securities attorneys, real estate counsel, and employment law specialists. You’ll serve as the connective tissue across our legal operations, helping coordinate and align internal goals with expert external advice.
This is a full-time, in-office position based in Rochester, MN, with limited flexibility for remote work. You will report directly to the company founders and collaborate across teams to support sustainable, legal, and values-aligned growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. from an accredited law school and licensed (or eligible for licensure) to practice law in Minnesota
• Minimum 3+ years of relevant legal experience in real estate, corporate law, or private equity; experience in multiple practice areas preferred
• Deep understanding of contract law, landlord-tenant law, and corporate governance
• Litigation experience strongly preferred, especially in real estate or contract-related matters
• Excellent legal writing, research, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal communication with a solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently while balancing multiple priorities
• Rochester-based or willing to relocate; in-person presence is required

Legal Strategy & Compliance

• Advise company leadership on risk mitigation and legal strategy across real estate, finance, and HR
• Liaison with external legal counsel in specialty areas such as securities, construction law, and employment matters
• Oversee private equity and securities compliance, ensuring investor documentation and fund operations align with regulatory requirements
• Handle or coordinate litigation matters related to landlord-tenant law, contract disputes, and other real estate-related claims
• Collaborate with leadership on financial structuring and contract reviews, without requiring accounting expertise

Real Estate Law & Transactions

• Manage legal components of complex real estate acquisitions and dispositions
• Collaborate with our General Contractor and local partners on permitting, entitlements, and zoning
• Draft, review, and maintain contracts, purchase agreements, leases, and development agreements

Landlord-Tenant Law

• Ensure compliance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B and other applicable housing laws
• Provide legal guidance for escalated resident matters and support our leasing and operations teams with best practices and documentation
• Develop internal resources, trainings, and policies to reduce legal risk and promote fair housing compliance

Corporate Governance

• Form and maintain legal entities, manage annual filings, and oversee registered agent responsibilities
• Maintain accurate and current organizational records, operating agreements, and corporate resolutions

Investor Relations

• Oversee legal aspects of ownership transfers, subscription documents, and investor communications
• Support regulatory audits, K-1 distribution, and other investor-related legal functions
• Coordinate with outside legal and accounting advisors to ensure investor compliance and documentation integrity

Human Resources & Employment Law

• Advise on employment law matters and support internal HR policies and procedures
• Draft and maintain employment agreements, contractor agreements, and handbook policies
• Coordinate with external employment law counsel as needed