Associate Counsel

New York State Housing Finance Agency•New York, NY

18h•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.

Requirements

Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State.
Minimum of five years of experience in providing legal counsel with respect to affordable housing programs, real estate lending or asset management, public finance, and other corporate transactions such as loan workouts and bankruptcy matters.
Experience supervising attorneys or support staff.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including attention to detail, a commitment to analytical thinking, and respect for the contributions of colleagues and others.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other standard applications.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple matters at the same time, and achieve deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of affordable housing programs and real estate lending is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Performing legal services related to asset management and regulatory oversight of projects under HCR’s Statewide Asset Management Unit (SAMU).
Reviewing and negotiating legal documents of SAMU projects undergoing ownership transfers (for example, Year 15 dispositions) and refinancing with non-HCR debt.
Responding to legal questions and issues in connection with HCR’s affordable housing requirements including amendments and modifications of HCR regulatory agreements of SAMU projects.
Loan workouts and mortgage/regulatory enforcement of SAMU projects.
Negotiating and closing certain HCR mortgage loans of affordable housing projects.
HCR administrative and program matters in connection therewith, and other legal issues that may arise.
Supervising Assistant Counsels and legal support staff engaged in similar duties.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits 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.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligibility.
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.