Job Details

Reporting to the Managing Deputy General Counsel, but working largely independently, the Senior Counsel, Litigation provides a wide range of professional legal services related to Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) operations; conducts legal research, prepares opinions, memoranda, administrative rules and regulations and other legal documents for PHA departments and the Board of Commissioners.

Essential Functions

• Confers with, and renders assistance to department heads and others in establishing departmental policies by applying legal principles and procedures;
• Prepares, drafts and reviews policies, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents, agreements and instruments;
• Offers opinions as to legal acceptability when such documents are presented to the head of PHA or any PHA department or for consideration by outside counsel or another agency;
• Investigates claims and complaints against the PHA and takes or recommends appropriate action;
• Assists with or prepares cases for hearings, trials and other judicial proceedings; represents the PHA in such proceedings;
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints;
• Reviews and approves certificates of insurance, off-site improvement agreements, grants, deeds and various other documents;
• Performs related duties as assigned

Education, Training and Experience Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association approved law school AND seven (7) or more years' experience as a practicing attorney. Experience analyzing complex administrative and operational data and issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues is required; Experience litigating cases in a legal hearing and courtroom setting and/or reviewing or drafting and negotiating contracts and handling business transactions and regulatory and compliance matters An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

License and Certification Requirements

Possession of a valid Driver's License may be required.

Incumbents must remain a member of the Pennsylvania State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment in this position. Admission to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Bar.

Required Knowledge

• Relevant Pennsylvania criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations; Public housing operations and real estate transactions;
• Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools; Development, refinement and presentation of legal strategies, and case management techniques;
• Principles and protocols for the gathering of evidentiary information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings and in response to audits and investigations;
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.

Required Skill and Abilities

• Ability to stay abreast of relevant new trends and innovations in the legal field;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and PHA information;
• Skills researching and identifying precedents in case law;
• Skills at effectively assessing, interpreting and applying complex criminal and civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled;
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion, assisting in negotiating agreements and mediating difficult situations; Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients and the general public;
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software; Effective verbal and written communication.

PHA offers a rich program of benefits, most of which employees become eligible the first of the month following employment. Benefits include a health insurance plan with very low employee cost sharing, dental insurance, life insurance, a defined contribution plan including a 5.5% employer match, tuition assistance/reimbursement, short term and long term disability insurance, 12 paid holidays each year, vacation and personal days, along with additional voluntary benefits.