Joseph Saponaro

Spearhead a company-wide human resources initiative to enhance employee benefits, attract top talent, and sustain regulatory compliance. Address and resolve diverse legal issues daily, mitigating risks and confirming operational continuity. Formulate comprehensive legal strategy to safeguard company’s transactions and support business objectives. Administer all insurance claims and collaborate with outside litigation counsel to achieve favorable outcomes. Conducted individual and group meetings with stakeholders to align objectives and define desired outcomes. * Attained 95% alignment of business decisions with regulatory and compliance standards while providing expert legal advice and counsel to executive leadership team. * Reduced lease and renewal review turnaround time by 70% by constructing high-performing leasing and legal team. * Oversaw drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of 500+ agreements and contracts annually, ensuring accuracy and compliance. * Steered development of operations manual, streamlining processes and standardizing workflows across organization.

Led complex real estate transactions, including leasing, financing, and development projects, for large national real estate management and investment companies in the metropolitan New York City area. Directed mergers and acquisitions, sustaining strategic alignment with client objectives while navigating legal complexities. Cultivated long-term relationships with high-profile clients, delivering tailored legal solutions to meet evolving business needs. * Represented diverse business clients, guiding corporate governance, entity formation, and strategic planning. * Negotiated, drafted, and reviewed contracts to protect client interests and mitigate legal risks in high-stakes transactions. * Confirmed client compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, reducing legal exposure and safeguarding operations. * Handled business disputes, focusing on cost-effective and favorable outcomes through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. * Offered strategic legal counsel to clients, enabling informed decision-making in transactions and business operations. * Conjoined colleagues across practice areas to deliver comprehensive legal services and maintain firm reputation.

Directed complex real estate transactions, including leasing, financing, and development, to meet client objectives in Ohio and other states. Oversaw mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless execution while addressing legal and business implications. Provided comprehensive estate and succession planning services, confirming client wealth preservation and smooth administration of estates. * Guided clients through entity formation processes, guaranteeing alignment with strategic and operational goals. * Developed and maintained detailed checklists and schedules to coordinate meetings between stakeholders, ensuring alignment, clear communication, and timely completion of tasks. Monitored progress to address potential issues proactively and foster collaboration among all parties involved.

Mayfield Village Council President since 2015 and serving the to residents of Mayfield Village from 2004 through 2011, and 2014 through the present.

Acted as outside general counsel, offering comprehensive legal support and strategic advice to business clients across various industries. Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated business contracts to maintain alignment with client objectives and mitigate risks. Managed acquisitions and dispositions, navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes to attain favorable outcomes. * Delivered tailored corporate and business advice, supporting clients in strategic planning and operational decision-making. * Oversaw real estate transactions and addressed environmental compliance and liabilities to facilitate seamless operations. * Advised clients on employment law and HR issues, including policy development, compliance, and conflict resolution.

Offered comprehensive legal guidance to clients, acting as primary advisor on corporate and business law matters. Structured and executed transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and financing, to support client growth and investment goals. Advised clients on entity formation, business structuring, and risk management strategies to protect interests and ensure compliance. Assisted clients in devising business policies and procedures while adhering to regulatory requirements. * Acted as outside general counsel, offering comprehensive legal support and strategic advice to business clients across various industries. * Managed litigation strategies, collaborated with external counsel, and resolved disputes through alternative methods.

In-house counsel for a public global REIT that acquires, develops, leases, and manages retail shopping centers. Responsible for drafting and negotiating leases, marketing agreements, vendor agreements, license agreements and various other ancillary agreements; analyzing complex legal issues; and managing outside legal counsel.

Senior associate attorney in a national law firm of over 160 attorneys focusing on complex real estate and corporate/business transactions, including, but not limited to leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, environmental compliance, development and construction financing, business structuring, general corporate advice, and dispute resolution. Played a key role in the development of real estate group, and mentored associates in business transactions.