Staff Attorney

Durham Housing Authority•Durham, NC

48d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Authority of the City of Durham (DHA) is seeking a motivated, service-oriented Staff Attorney to provide legal representation, counsel, and litigation support on matters affecting the Authority and its affiliated entities. Reporting to the In-House Counsel, the Staff Attorney manages a diverse caseload involving landlord-tenant matters, lease enforcement, collections, administrative proceedings, compliance issues, and civil litigation. The position is a key legal resource for DHA departments and helps reduce legal risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and enforce housing program requirements. Under the general direction of the In-House Counsel, the Staff Attorney provides legal representation and advice concerning DHA matters, with a high degree of independence in managing legal work. The role focuses primarily on litigation, court appearances, administrative proceedings, enforcement actions, and operational legal support. It does not serve as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Commissioners. The attorney supports efforts to reduce litigation backlogs, improve collections and lease enforcement outcomes, mitigate organizational risk, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The position offers public-service work and exposure to housing law, litigation, regulatory compliance, governmental operations, and community development. The Staff Attorney works with DHA departments and external stakeholders and supports the Authority’s mission of providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing opportunities throughout Durham.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
At least one year of legal experience in litigation, civil law, housing law, government law, landlord-tenant matters, administrative law, or a related legal field.
Experience representing clients in court proceedings and/or administrative hearings.
Strong legal research, writing, advocacy, and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Strong knowledge of litigation practices and courtroom procedures.
Sound legal judgment and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to interpret laws and regulations and translate them into practical business guidance.
Strong organizational and case management skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and public service.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office, legal research platforms, electronic filing systems, and case management software.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public housing, affordable housing, Housing Choice Voucher programs, or other HUD-assisted programs.
Experience with collections, lease enforcement, landlord-tenant matters, real estate, or regulatory compliance.
Experience working in local government, the public sector, or nonprofit environments.
Experience supervising legal support staff or managing significant litigation caseloads.

Responsibilities

Represent DHA in district court, administrative hearings, grievance hearings, informal hearings, and other legal proceedings.
Manage a high-volume caseload involving landlord-tenant matters, lease enforcement, collections, compliance issues, and civil litigation.
Develop litigation strategies and recommendations to protect the Authority’s interests.
Coordinate legal proceedings and litigation activities with outside counsel when necessary.
Evaluate claims, disputes, and settlement opportunities and provide recommendations.
Work with the In-House Counsel and operational departments on legal matters affecting the Authority.
Advise DHA departments about legal risks associated with operational decisions, enforcement actions, and compliance requirements.
Interpret federal, state, and local laws, regulations, statutes, court decisions, and HUD guidance.
Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on housing law, landlord-tenant matters, compliance, and other legal topics.
Draft, prepare, and review pleadings, motions, discovery requests, legal notices, settlement agreements, affidavits, contracts, and other legal documents.
Review tenant files and supporting documentation related to legal actions and claims.
Draft legal correspondence and responses related to litigation, compliance issues, and enforcement matters.
Review contracts, agreements, procurement documents, policies, and other documents assigned by the In-House Counsel.
Assist with audits, investigations, government reviews, regulatory inquiries, and compliance initiatives.
Support DHA departments in navigating HUD regulations, affordable housing requirements, and program compliance obligations.
Assist in developing legally compliant policies, procedures, notices, and operational practices.
Provide staff training and guidance on landlord-tenant law, court procedures, lease enforcement, fair housing, reasonable accommodations, and related legal topics.
Maintain accurate litigation files and legal records.
Prepare reports on caseloads, legal outcomes, trends, emerging risks, and compliance matters.
Perform other related duties as assigned.