Staff Counsel Description

About Marin Housing Authority / Careers

Established March 15, 2011


Definition

Under direction, performs a variety of professional legal work on matters involving or relating to the MHA including litigation, public housing law, Housing Choice Voucher Program, HUD rules and regulations, landlord and tenant issues, real estate, development, contracts and procurement, personnel, employment, labor relations, relevant local and federal statutes, inter-agency issues, liaising with external agencies and third parties, and other administrative functions.


Incumbent will be responsible for researching and analyzing laws, regulations, Court decisions, pending legislation, and preparation of legal documents such as contracts, briefs, and pleadings.


The employee will oversee activities pertaining to administrative law including, but not limited to, freedom of information, ethics, open meetings, and administrative procedures to ensure compliance with Authority policy and state and federal requirements.


Performs related work as assigned/required.


Class Characteristics

Staff counsel will provide advice and direction to ensure that the Marin Housing Authority receives the highest standard of legal representation. The incumbent will serve as the primary legal advisor on all legal matters involving or relating to MHA including matters involving programs, development, compliance, labor law, labor relations, personnel, contracts and procurement, internal and external legal matters, and various administrative functions. Employee must exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties. Responsibilities may differ depending on area assigned. Incumbent may be assigned to any department within the agency; and will be expected to handle.


Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only)


  • Renders legal advice and confers with Authority department staff and Board of Commissioners regarding a variety of civil matters and legal questions affecting Authority government.
  • Reviews policies.
  • Advises on issues regarding Risk and Insurance Management including, risk identification, claims negotiation and settlement.
  • Contract and procurement review
  • Confers with department heads, their designees, the Board of Commissioners on opinion requests and personnel and policy matters.
  • Confers with department heads or their designee on contracts.
  • Prepares and reviews contracts for content and form.
  • Confers with department heads on political issues within the Authority.
  • Researches and analyzes existing laws and regulations, Court decisions, pending legislation and a variety of other legal material.
  • Prepares, reviews and determines feasibility of legal contracts, briefs, memoranda, opinions, resolutions, leases, conveyances, bylaws, and other legal documents.
  • Drafts legislation for special projects.
  • Drafts, reviews, negotiates and prepares legal documents - including pleadings - and documents relating to lawsuits, trials, hearings, discovery, appeals and other legal proceedings in which the housing authority is involved.
  • Prepares and negotiates documents in planned real estate including: (re)development agreements, regulatory agreements, mortgages, deeds, assignments and other documents necessary to complete transactions.
  • Appears in Court and before administrative bodies.
  • Represents the Authority in hearings and litigation of claims in small claims court.
  • Attends public agency meetings as legal representative.
  • Explains legal requirements and restrictions to agency staff.
  • Confers and coordinates with outside attorneys regarding legal matters and to resolve or assist with resolution of outstanding legal matters.
  • Reviews pending legislation.
  • Advises departments.
  • May advise and represent Authority in matters involving compliance, employee grievances and disciplinary hearings, collective bargaining with unions representing Authority employees, equal employments and human rights matters.
  • May supervise clerical staff and Procurement Contracts manager.
  • May be assigned duties typically completed by subordinate level positions, as management deems appropriate.


Qualifications


Knowledge of:


  • General principals of tort, contract, municipal government, employment law, real property law, real estate and tenant law - including evictions, California civil law, and state and local court rules and procedures with the ability to research, advise and counsel as needed.
  • Rules of evidence and the conduct of court proceedings in trial and appellate courts.
  • Methods and problems of administering the work of a governmental law office, including the principles of personnel management.
  • Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the county counsel’s office.
  • The organization, powers, and limitations of local governmental functions and the California constitution.
  • Techniques for dealing with individuals of varying races, genders, ethnicity and ages, some of whom may have physical or emotional problems and who appear to be difficult, confused or hostile.


Skill in:


  • Interviewing a variety of individuals and soliciting needed information to determine facts and circumstances.
  • Developing effective defense strategies.
  • Analyzing cases and applying legal principles.
  • Presenting statements of law clearly and logically in written and verbal form.
  • Presenting an effective defense in court.
  • Preparing clear, concise, accurate and effective legal, policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Using sound independent judgment within established legal, policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Communicating logically and effectively with a diverse group of clients, witnesses, judges, other attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments.
  • Demonstrating patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Working cooperatively with colleagues to accomplish the policies and goals of the office.


Experience/Education

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school; supplemented by three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in civil, governmental or affordable housing law; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must be a current, active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.


Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee works within a typical office and/or court setting and is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.


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Marin Housing Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and for religious reasons.