Associate Counsel I

Atlanta Housing Authority; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 97,700 - 122,200; Full time

Job summary

Atlanta Housing Authority seeks an Associate Counsel I to provide legal advice and governance support to the Board of Commissioners. The role entails ensuring compliance with legal standards and preparing board materials.

The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor, at least 8 years of legal experience, and strong skills in corporate governance and legal compliance. The position works in an office environment and may require some travel.

Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a legal advisor to the General Counsel and Agency executives.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and Agency policy.
• Prepare, review, and manage board materials and records.

Skills

Corporate governance principles

Legal compliance

Exceptional judgment

Excellent written and verbal communication

Strategic mindset

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Overview

Position: Associate Counsel I

Department: Office of General Counsel

Reports to: General Counsel

Salary Grade: Q

Salary Range: 97,700 - 122,200

Position summary: The Board Attorney serves as one of the principal legal advisors to the Board of Commissioners. This role is responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and governance support to Agency executives and the Board of Commissioners and its committees on corporate governance, fiduciary duties, regulatory compliance, and ethics. At the direction of the General Counsel, the Board Attorney partners closely with executive leadership to ensure sound governance practices, legal integrity, and strategic decision‑making aligned with the organization’s mission and long‑term objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a legal advisor to the General Counsel and Agency for executives regarding the Board of Commissioners and its committees (e.g., Audit/Finance, Real Estate, Resident Empowerment, Operations).
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order, and Agency policy.
• Advises on fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, ethics, and governance best practices.
• Advises on compliance with the Georgia Open Meetings Act and the Georgia Open Records Act.
• Supports monthly committee and Board meetings, board elections, and governance reporting.
• Prepares, reviews and manages board materials, agendas, notices, minutes, resolutions, and corporate records.
• Monitors evolving governance standards, regulatory expectations, and stakeholder expectations impacting Board oversight.
• Leads governance and ethics training and onboarding for Commissioners.

Ethics, Compliance & Policy Leadership

• Oversees or provide counsel on the organization’s Code of Conduct, ethics, and governance-related compliance.
• Advises on Board-level oversight of internal investigations, whistleblowing, and regulatory inquiries.
• Ensures alignment between governance policies, enterprise risk management, and legal compliance.

Education and Experience

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a U.S. accredited law school. Active license, in good standing, to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; eligibility to practice in Georgia and obtain license within 6 months – one year.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive legal experience, with substantial focus on: Corporate governance and Board advisory work; Regulatory compliance (as applicable); Prior experience supporting Boards of Commissioners, executive and senior leadership in a complex organization (public company, regulated entity, large private or non-profit organization).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commitment to producing accurate and quality work products.
• Deep expertise in corporate governance principles and fiduciary obligations.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to navigate sensitive matters.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and advise senior leaders and Board members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex legal issues into practical guidance.
• Strategic mindset with the capacity to balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Extremely thorough and detail conscious.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working directly with Board Chairs, and committee chairs.
• Background in highly regulated industries or public company environments (if applicable).
• Demonstrated leadership in building governance frameworks and best‑in‑class Board practices.

Working Conditions

Works in an office environment. May require frequent bending, stooping, reaching and prolonged sitting and/or standing. May require regular lifting usually not exceeding 20 lbs. Some travel may be required.