Associate Counsel

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NEWARK•Newark, NJ

20h•$120,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Associate Counsel supports the General Counsel, the Newark Housing Authority’s Legal Department, Board of Commissioners, and operating departments. The role conducts legal research and prepares memorandums, reports, correspondence, and other materials for day-to-day operations, judicial proceedings, and transactional matters. It also drafts and reviews resolutions, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, provides legal advice to the Authority and internal departments as needed, and performs related duties.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college.
Attorney in good standing and admitted to the New Jersey bar.
At least two years of experience practicing law in a public or private agency, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong analytical and communication skills.
Knowledge of and ability to work within the legal system, including administrative and court procedures.
Knowledge of the judicial process, criminal statutes, rules of evidence, precedent court decisions, legal aspects of investigations, investigative and interviewing techniques, and examination of evidentiary documents or materials.
Knowledge of and ability to apply Federal, State, and Local regulations, administrative rules, and policies and procedures relevant to the role.
Skill in legal research methods and applicable case law and precedents, data collection and analysis, issue identification, analysis, and making recommendations.
Skill in preparing contracts, briefs, motions, affidavits, and other legal documents.
Experience analyzing judicial decisions, legal opinions, rulings, memoranda, and other legal material, and preparing summaries of the points of law involved.
Good computer skills, including MS Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn other programs as required.
Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and establish priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public housing, landlord-tenant law, real estate law, redevelopment, public contracts, personal injury, labor and employment, and/or municipal law.

Responsibilities

Support the legal needs of all Authority operating departments.
Assist the General Counsel with litigation management and administrative matters.
Oversee discovery processes and coordinate document production.
Pursue discovery matters and related document production.
Conduct legal research and provide recommendations on issues concerning Authority operations and compliance.
Manage evidence and prepare trial exhibits as directed.
Identify, coordinate, and interview witnesses and other relevant parties under the legal team’s guidance.
Draft legal memoranda, documents, and correspondence concerning legal matters, cases, and judicial procedures.
Attend court and agency proceedings to assist legal staff as directed.
Assist with liaison activities involving government agencies and legal staff.
Organize, maintain, and manage case files.
Assist with instruction and guidance of clerical support personnel on legal functions.
Perform related duties and provide legal advice to the Newark Housing Authority and its internal departments as needed.
Assist in preparing and reviewing legal documents, contracts, resolutions, and agreements.
Represent the NHA in meetings, hearings, and negotiations as needed.