Managing Attorney

Way Finders•Springfield, MA

4d•$145,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so! At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options. Way Finders is currently seeking a Managing Attorney. The Managing Attorney supports our mission by providing legal counsel and guidance to the Chief Legal Officer on the activities and services of the organization, overall compliance measures, maximization of opportunities that meet organization goals while minimizing legal exposure and/or litigation risk, and in strategic planning and goal-setting processes.

Requirements

7 years' progressively responsible mid-to-senior management experience in the legal realm, preferably in a nonprofit setting
Admitted to Massachusetts Bar, or admittance within 6 months of hire
Highly experienced in civil litigation, contracts, and real estate, including in fair housing or social justice
Strong ability to negotiate complex transactions
Knowledge of governmental regulations
Excellent legal research (including beyond Westlaw and Lexis), writing, and oral argument skills
Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills; must be self-aware and curious
Advanced computer/software skills, and comfort learning new technologies
Ability to manage/meet short deadlines and shift priorities as necessary and appropriate in a fast-paced environment
Ability to be team-oriented, including having a wiliness to collaborate on the legal department’s projects and share joint ownership of the outcomes
Strong communication skills, including in building relationships across differences
Demonstrated good judgment in decision-making and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts to litigate cases

Responsibilities

Assist the Chief Legal Officer in the development and implementation of legal strategic objectives
Assist the Chief Legal Officer with legal issues, including work on contracts, litigation before the courts and administrative bodies, policies, statutory, and regulatory issues
Provide effective and proactive leadership for the achievement of the department’s strategic business plan
Oversee and manage litigation, including development and implementation of litigation strategy and procedures
Serve as lead attorney for subset of organization programs, including providing advice and risk analysis concerning the applicability of and compliance with all federal/state statutes, regulations, and contracts that may impact agency programs, policies, operations or spending activities, including but not limited to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Lead legal review and negotiation of real estate development transactions and related activities
Assist the organization in new and current legal requirements, preparing and leading training seminars for organizational staff and board members, and preparing memoranda on legal issues
Monitor and perform legal research relative to federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations
Identify and suggest process improvements on an ongoing basis
Conduct a broad range of legal research and analysis on matters related to the organization’s functions
Proactively identify and inform the Chief Legal Officer or other appropriate parties of any significant legal, fiscal, staff performance, or other issues that may adversely affect the organization
Effectively and proactively supervise staff, distributing and overseeing workload and responsibilities
Set effective and achievable training plans for new staff members; evaluate and make process improvements based on feedback
Evaluate and provide timely feedback to staff on performance-related matters; assess staff members’ strengths and developmental needs; implement performance plans to ensure the development and/or maintenance of necessary skills
Hire new/replacement staff in an efficient and fair manner, following recruiting process guidelines