Associate General Counsel

The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is a public benefit corporation and the nation’s largest municipal Housing Finance Agency.  HDC’s programs support the construction and preservation of multi-family affordable housing in New York City.  

Area of Talent:    Employment Law/ Real Estate 

Position Type:     Full Time/Exempt

Salary Range:       $170,000 - $190,000 

Office Location:  NYC/Financial District

Position Summary:

The New York City Housing Development Corporation is looking for an Associate General Counsel to join its in-house legal team.  

The successful candidate should possess employment law experience, including advising on workplace policies, employee relations, and compliance with federal and state employment laws. The ideal candidate should also have experience in real estate, including multi-family housing developments, acquisitions, financing, leasing, and real estate regulatory compliance. 

Litigation experience is a strong plus, particularly in managing disputes, coordinating for indemnification and defense coverage, and providing strategic legal guidance to minimize risk.

The Associate General Counsel reports to the Deputy General Counsel, Legal Department and serves as counsel for HDC in employment, litigation, and general corporate matters. 

Job Responsibilities:

Employment Law Matters:

• Review employment policies, compliance materials, and related employment documentation.
• Advise the Human Resources team on employment law issues, including hiring, separations, wage and hour compliance, and immigration.
• Counsel on sensitive employment issues such as discipline, termination, and workplace investigations.
• Partner cross-functionally with Human Resources, Accounting & Budget, and other stakeholders to support consistent employment practices on unemployment, workers’ compensation, and employment-related tax issues.
• Serve as legal advisor to the EEO Committee to ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Oversee outside counsel in employment law matters.
• Draft and review contracts and statement of work for the Corporation.
• Identify and analyze legal issues, draft key documents, present clear recommendations to management, and ensure legal compliance.

General Corporate Matters:

• Negotiate Corporation contracts.
• Handle general miscellaneous legal duties as assigned.

Litigation Matters:

• Respond to complaints, notices of claim, as well as subpoenas and other legal notices.
• Arrange for defense and coverage for lawsuits; draft motions and responses, including court appearances when necessary for miscellaneous lawsuits.

Real Estate Matters:

• Draft loan commitments, regulatory agreements, notes, and mortgages.
• Review and analyze due diligence items for real estate transactions, including title, leases, and condo documents.
• Review documents of borrower’s and lender’s counsel.

Required Qualifications: 

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in employment law, litigation and/or corporate transactions.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• In-house corporate legal experience.
• Practical experience in contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Litigation experience a plus
• Commercial real estate experience a plus.

It is strongly preferred that you submit a cover letter with your resume. You may also fax your resume and cover letter to (212) 227-6816.

HDC demonstrates a strong commitment to its employees by providing a salary that is competitive and commensurate with experience and excellent benefits, including:  

• Health Benefits at a reasonable cost  
• Dental and Vision Benefits at no cost  
• Retirement savings plan with a generous match and a pension plan  
• Paid holiday, vacation, sick time and parental leave  
• Professional development opportunities   
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness for eligible employees   
• Wellness reimbursement   
• Back-up Caregiver Benefit   

HDC is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

HDC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, HDC will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing jobs@NYCHDC.com.