Senior Legal Counsel, Mountain Resorts

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Summary

The Mountain Resorts Legal team is looking for an experienced real estate or land use attorney to join our talented group as Senior Mountain Resorts Counsel. The Mountain Resorts Legal team is a fun, agile team that provides legal support to the world-class resorts in our Mountain Division and a broad range of corporate functions.

In this high-impact, high-visibility role, the Senior Mountain Resorts Counsel will report to the VP & Associate General Counsel and routinely advise executive leadership, including the General Counsel and Regional COOs of the Mountain Division, on a variety of matters including real estate, land use, regulatory risk and other issues impacting our year-round operations.

A successful candidate for this position will be comfortable as a legal generalist--possessing deep expertise in real estate or land use law, comfort navigating state and federal regulatory requirements, and a demonstrated history of quickly learning new areas of law and business. They will be adept at identifying material risks, allocating internal and external resources efficiently, and succinctly identifying, communicating and driving mitigating steps forward. The most successful attorneys at Vail Resorts are team players who are hungry, humble, and smart.   

Job Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, counsel and support to senior Mountain Division leadership regarding year-round operations on a variety of legal issues, many of which involve property rights, development plans, and regulatory compliance;
• Proactively identify trends in legal issues across mountain operations to strategically mitigate risk;
• Stay current on various state and federal regulations impacting resort operations, and support and advise the Company’s compliance team on related compliance programs and policies across the enterprise.
• Manage complex real estate development transactions as needed;
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other Company departments to assist in developing and advising on company policies, procedures and best practices;
• Prepare and present legal trainings to various Vail Resorts stakeholders;
• Contribute broadly to the leadership of the legal department, including the potential to manage one or more direct reports; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and JD required.
• Must have an active state bar license. If you have a non-Colorado state bar license, the successful applicant must qualify for a Colorado single-client bar license (or full Colorado bar license).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a practicing real estate or land use attorney at a law firm, government, and/or in-house.
• Agile and flexible thinker, with demonstrated ability to learn new areas of law and the business. 
• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional service to business clients, including being resourceful and responsive.
• Clear and concise communicator (written and oral) with all levels within the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, a team player and take responsibility for managing a variety of legal matters.
• Sound judgment and ability to analyze problems, propose resolutions, and provide advice that is creative, practical and legally acceptable, taking into account the needs and objectives of the business.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to successfully handle urgent situations with patience and diplomacy.

Preferred Experience

• Prior in-house experience.
• Experience with issues impacting public lands, US Forest Service or state leased lands.
• Experience handling issues in water law, environmental compliance or tramway boards.

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $175,000.00 - $195,000 + annual bonus + equity. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment for Broomfield-based roles where employees must live within 50 miles of the Broomfield office and work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  506163
Reference Date: 11/26/2024 
Job Code Function: Counsel  
Job Type: [[JobType]]