Managing Attorney for the Housing Litigation Division (HLD)

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The Managing Attorney for the Bronx borough unit is an Agency Attorney L3 in the Housing Litigation Division (HLD) of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner and/or Supervising Attorney, the role serves as a senior staff attorney, litigates complex housing-code cases, and assists with management of the Bronx Unit, including supervision of legal staff. HLD brings Housing Court litigation to enforce standards in the New York City Housing Maintenance Code and New York State Multiple Dwelling Law. It seeks orders to correct violations, civil penalties, access warrants, and 7A Administrators, and appears in tenant-initiated proceedings. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development oversees housing standards across New York City’s 3.7 million homes. Its work includes building and preserving affordable housing, protecting tenants from harassment and displacement, and holding landlords accountable. The Office of Enforcement and Neighborhood Services enforces housing laws through inspections, violations, emergency corrections, civil penalties, Housing Court proceedings, and other enforcement activities, and works with HPD divisions and community partners to address distressed buildings.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar.
Three years of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar for assignment to Assignment Level III.
Remain a member of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience litigating complex cases involving housing maintenance issues.
Experience litigating issues involving tenant harassment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with PC software such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
Knowledge of HPD internal databases, including the HLD Litigation Management System (LMS) and HPDINFO.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Senior Staff Attorney and litigate complex cases.
Assist the Supervising Attorney in managing the Bronx Unit, including supervising legal staff who litigate complex cases or handle matters with significant financial, procedural, or policy consequences.
Conduct difficult and involved negotiations on behalf of the agency.
Review, revise, and approve agreements prepared by other attorneys.
Conference disputes between landlords and tenants regarding housing-code violations.
Prepare and review complex briefs, motions, legal opinions, affidavits, memoranda, and other legal papers related to housing-code violations.
Review and assess cases on their merits and prepare memoranda with recommendations.
Conduct research, prepare cases for trial, and argue cases before courts or quasi-judicial bodies.
Conduct legal investigations and informal hearings, and interview witnesses.
Advise on legal aspects of enforcement and administration of acts, rules, laws, and regulations.