Attorney for the Housing Litigation Division (HLD)

City of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking agency dedicated to improving housing in New York City. As an Agency Attorney, you'll play a crucial role in enforcing housing laws and ensuring compliance with the NYC Housing Maintenance Code. This position offers a unique opportunity to litigate cases, negotiate legal matters, and provide essential legal advice while contributing to the city's efforts to enhance housing conditions. With the potential for remote work and a commitment to diversity and community engagement, this role is perfect for passionate legal professionals eager to make a positive impact in their community.

Qualifications

• Must be a member of the NY State Bar in good standing.
• One year of legal experience or six months as an Agency Attorney Intern.

Responsibilities

• Litigate cases in Housing Court to enforce housing laws.
• Negotiate complex legal matters for the agency.

Skills

Legal Research

Litigation

Negotiation

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Education

Admission to the New York State Bar

Law Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

HPDINFO

LMS

Job description

Job Description

About the Agency:
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) promotes quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love.

• We maintain building and resident safety and health
• We create opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability
• We engage New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.

HPD is entrusted with fulfilling these objectives through the goals and strategies of “Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness,” Mayor Adams’ comprehensive housing framework. To support this important work, the administration has committed $5 billion in new capital funding, bringing the 10-year planned investment in housing to $22 billion, the largest in the city’s history. This investment, coupled with a commitment to reduce administrative and regulatory barriers, is a multi-pronged strategy to tackle New York City’s complex housing crisis by addressing homelessness and housing instability, promoting economic stability and mobility, increasing homeownership opportunities, improving health and safety, and fostering equitable growth.

Your Team:
The Office of Enforcement and Neighborhood Services (OENS) leads the agency’s effort to collaborate with other HPD divisions and outside community partners to identify distressed buildings, assess and develop strategies to address those properties, and work closely with responsible owners to improve conditions and restore buildings to financial and physical health. OENS utilizes enforcement tools within its divisions, including the Division of Code Enforcement, Housing Litigation Division, Emergency Operations, Enhanced Enforcement, and the Division of Neighborhood Preservation.

Your Impact:
The Housing Litigation Division (HLD) initiates litigation against property owners in Housing Court to ensure compliance with housing standards in the NYC Housing Maintenance Code and NYS Multiple Dwelling Law. HLD seeks orders to correct violations, civil penalties, access warrants, 7-a Administrators, and appears in tenant-initiated proceedings.

Your Role:
As an Agency Attorney L-2 for the Brooklyn Unit, under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner and/or Supervising Attorney in the Housing Litigation Division, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Litigating cases on behalf of HPD’s Office of Enforcement and Neighborhood Services (OENS) to enforce housing laws in Housing Court and NYS Supreme Court.
• Negotiating complex legal matters on behalf of the agency.
• Researching and preparing legal briefs, motions, opinions, affidavits, and other legal documents, and presenting arguments before Housing Court.
• Preparing for and conducting trials, including witness and evidence preparation.
• Providing legal advice on enforcement and administration of relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

Preferred Skills:

• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• One year of satisfactory legal experience after admission to any state bar, or six months as an Agency Attorney Intern (30086).
• Must remain a member of the NY State Bar in good standing.
• Knowledge of NYC Housing Maintenance Code and NYS Multiple Dwelling Law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with PC software such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of HPD’s internal databases, including LMS and HPDINFO.

Note: This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week under the Remote Work Pilot Program.

Agency Title: Agency Attorney - 30087