Associate General Counsel

Summary

The Associate General Counsel will provide legal counsel and support to Rutter’s companies, with a primary focus on commercial real estate transactions, property development, construction, leasing, and regulatory compliance. This position will play a key role in supporting the Company's continued growth and expansion by managing legal matters associated with real estate acquisitions, development projects, and ongoing business operations.

The ideal candidate is a business-minded attorney who can navigate complex legal matters, identify and mitigate risks, and provide practical solutions while working collaboratively with internal departments, senior leadership, outside counsel, and external business partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance on commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and development projects.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, deeds, development agreements, and other real estate documents.
• Manage legal aspects of real estate transactions, including due diligence, title review, surveys, environmental matters, and closing documentation.
• Support new store development, property expansions, renovations, and redevelopment projects.
• Advise on zoning, land use, permitting, municipal approvals, and other regulatory requirements associated with real estate development.
• Represent the Company before local and state agencies, zoning boards, and municipalities as needed.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior leadership and internal business partners, including Real Estate, Construction, Operations, and Finance.
• Work collaboratively across multiple operating entities to support business objectives while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with outside counsel, government agencies, consultants, and other external partners as necessary.
• Provide timely updates to senior management regarding legal matters, transaction status, potential risks, and recommended actions.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Rutter’s business operations, growth strategy, and organizational objectives to provide proactive legal support.
• Manage multiple legal matters and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Perform additional legal responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Pennsylvania, in good standing.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience with a focus on commercial real estate law, real estate development, or related corporate transactions.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial real estate agreements and contracts.
• Working knowledge of real estate transactions, land use, zoning, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong legal research, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex legal matters in a fast-paced business environment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Must be a licensed Attorney in PA. (MD and/or WV a plus, but not required)
• Commercial/Real Estate Attorney with minimum 3 years of experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide recommendations for well-reasoned, practical solutions and alternatives.
• Ability to identify legal risks and develop plans to reduce the chance of occurrence and / or exposure.
• Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for taking on a wide range of projects and responsibilities.
• Proactive, detail oriented, and able to prioritize while handling multiple tasks.

EEO Statement

Rutter’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any other protected status under Local, State or Federal Regulations.