Associate General Counsel (Real Estate)

Profile

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position.  This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required.  Other duties may be assigned.

Supports and serves at the direction of the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel; provides oral and written legal advice to DCHA managers and staff in a variety of areas, that may include, but not be limited to, real estate transactions, business, governance of DCHA and its subsidiaries,  DCHA programs, including public and assisted housing, development and/or redevelopment of public, affordable, market rate and mixed-income housing, all housing and affordable financing programs, including but not limited to: HOPE VI and/or Choice, and any similar successor programs, Rental Assistance Demonstration program; Low Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”); New Markets Tax Credits (“NMTC”); 4% and/or 9% Bonds; Municipal Equipment Leases; Public/Private Ground Leases; and EB-5 transactions;    

• Supports and serves at the direction of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel; provides oral and written legal advice and regulatory guidance to DCHA managers and staff in a variety of areas, that may include, but are not limited to, real estate matters, development and/or modernization activities, property sale/acquisition, contracts and procurement, environmental matters, leasing, Landlord/Tenant law, eviction proceedings, landlord contract claims, bankruptcy, and tort claims;
• Represents the Authority, or provides support, in connection with: civil and administrative litigation and proceedings; trials, hearings; mediations; and depositions, as needed. Assists and participates in real estate, business and contracting and procurement negotiations, appeals, and protests;
• Anticipates, identifies and resolves legal issues; assists Authority management in the development of legal strategies and solutions;

• Advises on all aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and asset management;
• Interprets and renders advice on laws and regulations that pertain to real property, including housing law, commercial and residential property, development projects, real estate financing and leasing, real estate investment trusts, title issues and searches, escrow arrangements, property management, rights of way and lease disputes;
• Participates in business, operational and strategic decisions, including regulatory and compliance matters;
• Participates in protecting all DCHA departments regarding legal issues and rights; ensures all policies conform to relevant legal standards, and is frequently called upon to review contracts before they are executed;
• Conducts legal research and drafts and reviews discovery, memos, pleadings, and motions;
• Negotiates and drafts documents related to real estate development projects and contracting and procurement, and DCHA business transactions, including intragovernmental business;
• Monitors and supports outside counsel on DCHA legal matters;
• Assists with trial preparations; supervises production of documents for opposing counsel;
• Issues Advice of Counsel; researches and prepares draft Advice of the General Counsel after consultation with the General Counsel and/or Deputy General Counsel and provides to client, upon review and approval by the General Counsel or as delegated to the Deputy General Counsel;
• Regularly meets with internal clients and management to present findings, explain the significance of conclusions, justify recommendations and answer legal questions; follows up as appropriate;
• Analyzes and resolves routine and complex legal issues, keeping internal client, General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and Supervising Attorney informed of the disposition of the matter;
• Prepares reports and correspondence as required to keep General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel informed and advised of all legal work being performed; enters and tracks time as required;
• Files legal documents and maintains all matter related documents and files as required by office protocol;
• Communicates clearly and on a timely basis with clients and management on legal matters;
• Provides assistance to other DCHA attorneys and outside counsel and works as a team member;
• Process and drafts responses to Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) requests;
• Drafts Authority resolutions, policies, programs and official correspondence; monitors changes in legislation and policy to assist in recommending updates to policies, procedures, rules and regulations as necessary to assure compliance with federal and local laws; advises with respect to legislation and ordinances;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) required; and at least five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant legal experience. Other combinations of education and experience which meet the minimum qualifications requirement may be substituted. Must be a member of the District of Columbia Bar (ability to waive in to DC may be substituted for an exceptional candidate).

Interested Candidates must apply on our "Careers Page" on our Agency website at www.dchousing.org

Company info

DC Housing Authority

Company Profile

The District of Columbia Housing Authority provides quality affordable housing to extremely low- through moderate-income households, fosters sustainable communities, and cultivates opportunities for residents to improve their lives.