Senior Assistant General Counsel - Real Estate

The position of Senior Assistant General Counsel in the Real Estate Division of the Office of the General Counsel will be responsible for all matters relating to residential and commercial real estate transactions including but not limited to: negotiating, drafting, reviewing and/or revising ground leases, restrictive covenants, use restrictions, regulatory agreements, partnership and operating agreements, loan documents, purchase and sale contracts, commercial and residential leases, intergovernmental agreements and other transactional documents.  Responsibilities will also include managing the closing team for mixed-finance, mixed-use, mixed-income and tax credit transactions, submissions to HUD and closing the transactions. Additional Day-to-Day matters will require continuing contact with internal departments to provide legal advice, guidance and information relating to federal, state and local law on housing and other matters.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the closing process of mixed-finance real estate transactions at a high level and draft public housing and project-based voucher documents, use restrictions, ground leases, right of first refusal agreements, and other closing documents.
• Coordinate and interact with U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on CHA closing submissions, responses and obtain final approvals needed. 
• Review real estate development disposition and acquisition applications to HUD.
• Draft purchase and sales contracts, residential and commercial leases, loan documents, construction license agreements, and right of entry agreements. 
• Review procurement matters related to real estate solicitation documents and provide advice and counsel for the procurement process.
• Provide advice and counsel on contract interpretation, modifications/amendments, regulatory compliance issues, review Board agenda matters, ordinances and investigate property ownership and title documents. 
• Assist with the resolution of property tax exemption/abatement matters and other duties as may be required.
• Work with and have the ability to facilitate discussions with internal and external groups and interact with internal staff.
• Provide counsel and guidance with respect to various federal regulations, State of Illinois statutes and CHA policies.
• Research legal issues, draft legal recommendations/opinions and assist in the development of policies and procedures that guide the operations of CHA.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Juris Doctorate Degree, admission to the Illinois Bar and a minimum of 8 years of experience required. Significant experience in real estate law and prior experience handling complex real estate matters involving mixed financing sources preferred.  Prior experience handling complex residential and/or commercial real estate matters is a must.  Knowledge of public housing program requirements, Housing Choice Voucher regulations, the Illinois Housing Authorities Act, the 1937 Housing Act, Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, Tax-Exempt Municipal Bond financing, other public finance source requirements, relevant Code of Federal Regulations, HUD regulations and HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program is strongly preferred. Familiarity with commercial leases, municipal intergovernmental relationships and agreements is a plus. Additional requirements include: strong written and oral communication skills, solid analytical and research skills and strong drafting skills. Must be a team player, readily able to adapt to and provide legal support for a dynamic environment.       

Salary Range: $125,000 – $135,000

Grade: S10

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None