Attorney II/Litigator

Unit: Exempt

Department: Legal

Grade: 14

Salary Range: $84,499.57 - $106,740.79

Posting Date: Monday, January 13, 2025

Application Deadline: Monday, January 27, 2025

Application Procedure:

Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your qualification. No phone calls or letters. Submit your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials to jobs@bostonhousing.org. Deadline: Monday, January 27, 2025. Please be sure to identify the position you are applying for.

General Description:
ABOUT US:
Boston Housing Authority (BHA) fosters sustainable communities by providing quality affordable housing, bringing stability, opportunity, and peace of mind to thousands of low and moderate-income families across Greater Boston and the City of Boston as a whole. As the largest provider of affordable housing in Boston, one of the most expensive cities in the country, BHA understands housing as a crucial platform for individual, household, and community stability. Through its Public Housing communities and Section 8 rental assistance programs, BHA provides housing assistance and services to more than 58,000 low and moderate-income households, including families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. In all aspects of our operations, internally and externally, BHA is committed to breaking down the barriers to racial equity and justice in housing and related fields that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: 
As a proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, and military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. To the greatest extent possible, it is the policy of BHA to give preference in employment to BHA residents, leased housing residents, and low-income persons. As a housing authority, we recognize the historical role that residential racial segregation has played in the City of Boston. The BHA of today and in the future will actively address and dismantle barriers to becoming a diverse, equitable, and inclusive city.

ABOUT THE JOB: 
Under the supervision of the General Counsel, represents the Authority in civil litigation and administrative hearings and provides ongoing legal counsel to Authority staff, primarily on landlord-tenant and housing law and other areas. Responsible for conduct of complex legal matters as directed.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Represents the Authority in state and federal courts, administrative bodies, and Authority internal hearings regarding the following matters and practice areas of law: landlord-tenant; public housing and Section 8 lease enforcement; housing code violations; tenant occupancy and transfers; civil rights; housing discrimination; housing reasonable accommodations; and small claims.

• Other substantive areas may include building and fire codes; breach of contract; tort; labor and employment; collections and garnishment; and bankruptcy.

• Provides in-house counsel and legal advisor services to designated Authority departments with respect to all matters and practice areas of the law related to the position's duties and responsibilities; coordinates the provision of Legal Department services with respect to these matters and practice areas of the law; and has administrative responsibility within the Legal Department.

• Advises Authority staff on the application of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and best practices regarding all matters and practice areas of the law related to the positions duties and responsibilities and other selected substantive and procedural legal areas.

• Develops expertise in all matters and practice areas of the law related to the positions duties and responsibilities.

• Provides advice and assistance in the development, implementation, and interpretation of Authority policies, procedures, documents, forms, and handbooks.

• Participates in and provides training to non-legal Authority staff in selected substantive and procedural legal areas and matters and practice areas of the law related to the positions duties and responsibilities.

• Prepares draft legislation and regulations, comment on proposed legislation and regulations and prepares legislative testimony.

• Prepares, reviews, and negotiates contracts, leases, and other agreements.

• Provides supervision, training, and evaluation of paralegals, legal interns, and support staff.

• Oversees the work of other in-house and outside counsel

• Performs other related duties as directed.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

Law degree from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the Bar of Massachusetts, or be eligible for admission by reciprocity, and be admitted to practice in, or be prepared to apply for admission to practice in, the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Minimum of two years of general litigation experience as an attorney in relevant areas. Trial, motion, and appellate practice experience is required as are strong written and oral communication skills. A background in private or public housing laws and regulations and/or litigation is preferred.

BHA BENEFITS:
BHA's generous benefits package includes 14 paid holidays, 4 personal days, 3 weeks of vacation, 3 weeks of paid sick leave, MBTA discount, participation in the City's pension plan, and healthcare through the Commonwealth, and much more.