Assistant Legal Counsel- BMHA- (Permanent)

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW. 

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER   (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.) 

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.

Assistant Legal Counsel provides legal assistance and support to the staff of the Municipal Housing Authority by analyzing legal opinions, briefs and other materials. He/she prepares memoranda of law and confers with governmental personnel or parties to legal action in order to mediate, negotiate or set the legal issues. Incumbents to a position in this class work independently in planning, organizing and conducting of reviews and analysis of legal problems, cases and legislative proposals. They present and argue legal issues to all parties concern. Completed work is expected to be accurate with regard to legal citations and the technical treatment of facts and legal precedents. Work is reviewed for soundness of approach, proper application of legal principles and consistency with governing policies, procedures and regulations. Incumbents are employed in a confidential relationship to the Executive Director and the Counsel and receives general supervision from them. 

Provides legal advice and opinions to staff, complainants and others in connection with the activities and services provided by the Housing Authority; 
-    interprets pertinent laws, rules, regulations, procedures, etc. and makes policy decisions concerning same;
-    conducts legal research of statutes, decisions, opinions and other legal sources in order to respond, both orally and in writing, to requests for legal decisions and opinions;
-    researches requests and inquiries and prepares legal decisions and opinions;
Prepares and presents arguments at judicial and administrative proceedings and presides at hearings and proceedings, and prepares findings, orders or decisions in an area ranging from employee disciplinary actions, to compliance with statutory regulations, to defense of claims against the Housing Authority;
Tries court cases and proceedings by preparing opening statements and summations, arguing motions, examining witnesses, consulting with parties to the proceeding, examining evidence, preparing briefs, negotiating settlement, preparing appeals and advising superiors;
Prepares drafts of legislation, laws or ordinances;
-    submits for review and advisement from those effected by said legislation;
-    follows-up legislation introduced on behalf of the Housing Authority with the Governor's Office and legislative leaders for introduction;
Negotiates and prepares various legal documents, i.e., contracts, deeds and leases with outside parties;
-    reviews documents for legal sufficiency;
-    prepares legal documents, i.e., contracts, agreements, mortgages and other legal instruments;
Performs related duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Director and/or Counsel for the Housing Authority;

Applicants must possess and present at time of appointment: 

•    Juris Doctor Degree from a Law School of recognized standing.
•    A license to practice as an Attorney and Counselor for the Courts of the State of New York. (Must be maintained during length of employment.)

Thorough knowledge of construction, contract and Public Housing Law of the State of New York; 
Good knowledge of the laws governing civil and criminal practice and procedures, administrative law and supporting rules, regulations, legal terminology and forms; 
Good knowledge of techniques employed in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research and analyzing legal problems; 
Working knowledge of trial techniques and investigative and interviewing techniques; Ability to organize large volume of factual and legal data into clear and logical sequences; Ability to analyze legal issues and identify significant cases, opinions and facts; 
Ability to both orally and in written form convince others of the legality of a specific action or point of view; 
Ability to establish a working rapport with others both in the legal profession and layman; Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations; 
Ability to apply specific techniques of gathering information and presenting it in a convincing manner; 
Ability to communicate information clearly and succinctly in both oral and written form; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.