Assistant Counsel

New York State Housing Finance Agency•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. This position is with HCR’s Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC). This is not a civil service position, and a civil service exam is not required. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. The Attorney / Assistant Counsel will be responsible for: Assisting on multi-family housing bond issuances, subsidy loan programs and participating loan programs, together with related real estate mortgage financing matters Reviewing legislation, preparation of materials for consideration by the Agencies’ Members/Directors Agencies’ administrative matters and other legal areas as required Supervision of legal support staff engaged in similar duties. Perform legal services related to the Agencies’ loan management, mortgage enforcement efforts, and architect and construction contracts. This position is based in the New York City office and will report to the HCR/HFA Deputy Counsel overseeing transactional lawyers in our New York City office.

Requirements

Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State.
Should have two years of experience including experience in corporate, real estate, and/or financing transactions.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and outside attorneys and consultants.
Ability to work under pressure.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience and/or familiarity with real estate lending, secured transactions, construction lending and mortgage loan portfolio management is helpful; litigation experience may also be useful.

Responsibilities

Assisting on multi-family housing bond issuances, subsidy loan programs and participating loan programs, together with related real estate mortgage financing matters
Reviewing legislation, preparation of materials for consideration by the Agencies’ Members/Directors
Agencies’ administrative matters and other legal areas as required
Supervision of legal support staff engaged in similar duties.
Perform legal services related to the Agencies’ loan management, mortgage enforcement efforts, and architect and construction contracts.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits [https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement] with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals.
Work life balance benefits include a 37.5-hour work week and paid time off benefits including vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays.
Opportunity for compressed scheduling.
12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
Paid Family Leave.
Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling.
As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service] (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans] and while working full-time for an eligible [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment] employer.
Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.
Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job-related courses.
Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange).
Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!
Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to next year for a maximum of $1,300.