General Counsel for M&A & Real Estate Structuring

Job description

Company Description

Wonova is a pioneering real estate capital that integrates patented smart home technologies to enhance community wellness. We aim to modernize the industry by addressing current needs for a better future. Known for our innovative solutions for leading technology companies, we are incorporating these advancements into our real estate portfolio to create exceptional, state-of-the-art properties. Based on a history of leading significant, renowned projects globally, we are committed to making a substantial impact in the real estate sector.

Role Description

We are seeking a seasoned General Counsel with deep expertise in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), fund formation, and real estate legal structuring to serve as the chief legal advisor for our growing investment-focused organization. This individual will lead legal strategy, manage outside counsel, and ensure legal integrity across transactions and ongoing operations. The General Counsel will be responsible for providing legal advice, managing legal issues related to mergers and acquisitions, addressing labor and employment law matters, ensuring data privacy compliance, and overseeing corporate governance. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating legal risks and requires close collaboration with senior management and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• License Series 7, 63, 79, 65 is a plus

• Proficiency in addressing Legal Issues and providing Legal Advice

• Experience with Labor and Employment Law

• Knowledge in Data Privacy regulations and compliance

• Expertise in Corporate Governance practices

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

• Bar admission in good standing in New York or eligibility for in-house admission

Key Responsibilities:

M&A and Corporate Transactions

• Lead the legal execution of acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures, including due diligence, transaction structuring, documentation, and closings.

• Draft, review, and negotiate term sheets, NDAs, LOIs, purchase agreements, and other core M&A documents.

• Advise executive leadership on legal risk, regulatory considerations, and strategic deal structuring.

Fund Formation and Investment Vehicles

• Oversee the legal setup and ongoing compliance of investment vehicles, holding company, including holding company, private equity funds, syndicates, and SPVs.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on fund terms, investor agreements (LPA, PPM), and regulatory filings (e.g., SEC, Form D).

• Ensure legal frameworks align with tax efficiency, investor protections, and fiduciary obligations.

Real Estate Legal Strategy

• Structure and manage legal aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, development, and joint ventures.

• Negotiate operating agreements, development agreements, loan documents, and construction contracts.

• Navigate land use, zoning, title, and environmental issues as needed.

General Corporate Governance & Risk

• Provide ongoing counsel on corporate structure, governance, and compliance.

• Manage legal aspects of employment matters, IP, data privacy, and vendor contracts.

• Supervise outside counsel, ensure cost-effective legal services, and maintain document control and legal compliance systems.

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed to practice in [Insert State].

• 8+ years of relevant legal experience, with a focus on M&A, fund formation, and real estate.

• Strong track record leading legal aspects of complex transactions.

• Familiarity with investment structures such as REITs, LLCs, LPs, and offshore/onshore fund entities.

• Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience working in a fund, family office, or investment firm.

• Comfortable advising cross-functional teams and executive leadership.

• Strong communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.