Attorney III / Litigator

Boston Housing Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

5 personal days

3 weeks vacation

3 weeks sick leave

MBTA discount

City pension participation

Healthcare through Commonwealth

Job summary

Boston Housing Authority (BHA) seeks an experienced attorney to represent the Authority in civil litigation and administrative hearings, with a focus on landlord-tenant and housing law. The role provides ongoing legal counsel to staff and supports policy development and compliance across housing programs.

The ideal candidate holds a JD, is admitted to the MA Bar (or eligible by reciprocity), and has strong litigation and appellate experience in housing-related matters.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited US law school.
• Massachusetts Bar in good standing or eligibility by reciprocity.
• Admission to practice in U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Authority in state and federal courts, administrative bodies, and internal hearings on landlord-tenant, housing and related matters.
• Advise staff on applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Develop expertise across related legal areas and provide ongoing training.
• Draft legislation, regulations, and legislative testimony for senior review.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, leases, and other agreements.
• Perform other related duties as directed.

Skills

Litigation experience

Trial & appellate practice

Legal analysis

Issue spotting

Written communication

Oral communication

Project management

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Massachusetts Bar in good standing or reciprocity

Admission to U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts

Admission to U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Job description

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.

ESSENTIAL 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.
• 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 position's 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 position's 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 position's duties and responsibilities.
• Prepares draft legislation and regulations, comment on proposed legislation and regulations and prepares legislative testimony to be reviewed by senior attorney.
• Assists in preparing, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, leases, and other agreements.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Law degree from an accredited USA law school is required. A member in good standing of the Bar of Massachusetts or be eligible for admission by reciprocity. 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. General litigation experience as well as trial, motion, and appellate practice experience with a background in private or public housing laws and regulations and/or litigation is strongly preferred. Independent worker with excellent written and oral communication skills, great project management skills, with strong legal analysis and issue spotting is required.

BHA BENEFITS

BHA’s generous benefits package includes 12 paid holidays, 5 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.

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 our public housing communities and rental assistance programs, BHA provides housing assistance and services to more than 62,000 low and moderate-income households, including families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. As a housing authority, we recognize the historical role that residential segregation has played in the City of Boston. In all aspects of our operations, internally and externally, BHA is committed to breaking down the barriers to justice in housing and related fields that disproportionately impact the communities we serve.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

BHA is a proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and 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 public housing and leased housing residents, and to low-income persons.