Associate Counsel - Housing

FLSA: Exempt/Overtime Ineligible

Benefits: Eligible

Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time

Met Council is America's largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 120 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary:

The Associate Counsel Housing will be responsible for assisting with a broad range of legal matters to support Met Council, with a primary focus on landlord-tenant work. In this role, the attorney will represent Met Council and affiliated housing entities (the Organization) in housing related disputes and litigation, while also assisting with contract drafting and review, compliance, and additional legal needs that arise across the Organization's programs and operations.

The attorney will represent the Organization in its capacity as a housing provider, protecting the rights and interests of our affordable housing portfolio and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. They will also work with Met Council staff and external partners to resolve legal issues efficiently and in alignment with the Organization's mission.

Principal Responsibilities:

Housing

• Represent the Organization in landlord-tenant disputes including non-payment cases, holdovers, and related housing matters.
• Provide legal counsel to internal stakeholders on landlord-tenant issues, lease enforcement, and compliance with housing laws and regulations.
• Draft, review, and file legal documents, including petitions, motions, settlement agreements, and contracts.
• Appear in housing court, administrative hearings and other relevant proceedings on behalf of the Organization.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal housing laws and rent regulation requirements.
• Maintain accurate case files, calendars, and legal records.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting landlord-tenant law and advise leadership on necessary policy or procedural updates.
• Supervise external affordable housing counsel and consultants during drafting of grant applications, legal and loan documents, sponsor review, negotiations, and loan closings.
• Review and revise corporate operational documents for the housing entities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws when responding to requests for information, audits, and governmental inquiries.

General Legal

• Draft and review contracts, policies, memoranda, and other legal documents as needed.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated excellence in legal research, writing, and analysis
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance legal obligations and organizational values
• Ability to assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risk, and make clear, timely decisions that are in the best interest of the Organization
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments
• Ability to juggle a caseload
• Commitment to the mission and values of Met Council

Skill and Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree (required)
• Licensed and admitted to practice law in New York State, in good standing (required).
• Minimum of five years' legal experience, including significant experience in landlord-tenant litigation.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
• Knowledge of New York housing laws, rent regulation, and relevant court procedures.
• Experience as first chair in court and operating with a high level of professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Special Requirements:

• Willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City via public transportation.

Compensation: $90,000 - $100,000 per year

Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.