New York City Housing Authority
Agency Attorney L3 - Law Dept - Civil Litigation       
The New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA's) Law Department's Civil Litigation Division seeks an Agency Attorney L3.  The selected candidate will represent the nation's largest public housing agency by:  evaluating and negotiating pre-litigation commercial claims; defending civil actions and proceedings arising from contracts for capital improvement and major equipment installation and repair, including claims for delay damages, extra work, forced acceleration, and unpaid balances; internal administrative proceedings and Article 78 challenges to non-responsibility determinations and contractor defaults, public improvement lien enforcement proceedings, Section 8 landlord housing subsidy claims, code enforcement proceedings, and other matters in federal and state court often involving complex questions of law, contract interpretation, contested facts, and/or having significant procedural or policy consequences; prosecuting affirmative litigation, performing duties of in-house legal counsel; and collaborating with outside counsel and third-party vendors.
Specific tasks include, but are not limited to the following:

Manage a substantial caseload of motion practice and appellate work through gathering relevant facts, researching questions of law, developing strategy, and drafting motions, affidavits, pleadings, legal memoranda, correspondence, and other documents as needed.
Prepare and respond to written discovery (including ESI), ensuring preservation of relevant evidence, and take and defend depositions.
Argue motions, attend court conferences, conduct trials, hearings, and mediations, and argue appeals.
Negotiate and draft agreements and contracts.
Make regular entries in the case management system, maintain case files, and related administrative duties.
Draft policies, procedures and contract language.
Provide accurate and timely counsel to agency personnel on a variety of legal topics, including contract drafting; administration and management and legal risks, and liabilities.
Collaborate with agency personnel to devise practices, procedures, strategies and governance policies and monitor compliance.
Research and evaluate risk factors regarding business decisions and operations.

10.  Provide training throughout the agency on legal topics.
11.  Retain, consult with, and monitor outside counsel, vendors, and experts as needed for litigation and other specialized matters.
12.  Perform other duties as assigned in these and related areas.
NOTE:  The selected candidate will be required to maintain confidentiality regarding all NYCHA matters unless directed otherwise.
 
Minimum Qualification Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

 
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
 
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
 
To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.  To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
Preferred Skills

Demonstrated ability to investigate, define, and address factual and legal issues in a clear, concise, and logical fashion, orally and in writing.
Effective advocacy.
Willingness to take initiative, work independently, adapt to changing circumstances, and propose practical solutions.
Close attention to detail.
Ability to manage time effectively, including effective multi-tasking and setting priorities.
Flexible.
Cooperative attitude.
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with others at all levels of the agency.
Significant motion practice, trial, and/or appellate experience.

 
Additional Information
 
Resume and cover letter must also include bar admission date(s) (month and year).  Candidates must also provide two recent writing samples representing the candidate’s efforts, not those of a reviewer; three references, listing their professional association and the circumstances under which they became familiar with the candidate’s professional skills; a copy of law school transcript.
 
Interested candidates may submit cover letter and resume to www.nyc.gov/careers/search.  Search for JOB ID# 452848.
 
We thank all applicants for their interest in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
 
The New York City Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer