Associate Counsel

New York State Housing Finance Agency•New York, NY

About The Position

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. HCR Legal provides counsel across the agency’s offices and program areas, including with respect to financing and real estate transactions, litigation matters, administrative and regulatory issues, policy and legislation, and operations and governance. The team also encompasses the Tenant Protection Unit, which proactively enforces the State’s rent regulation laws. Job Summary: Serve as counsel for HCR in structuring, negotiating, and closing real estate financing transactions, primarily mortgage loans provided to affordable housing projects financed by the New York State Housing Finance Agency, one of HCR’s six public authorities. Perform legal services related to the agency’s asset management and loan servicing functions. Assist with housing bond issuances, regulatory questions, the preparation of materials for consideration by one or more of HCR’s board of directors, and other legal issues that may arise. Supervise Assistant Counsels and legal support staff engaged in similar duties. Report to the Deputy Counsel overseeing transactional lawyers in our New York City office. Who you are: Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State. Minimum of five years of experience in providing legal counsel wth respect to affordable housing programs, real estate lending or asset management, public finance, or other corporate transactions; knowledge of, and experience in, affordbale housing programs and construction lending is strongly preferred. Experience supervising attorneys or support staff, Excellent oral and written communication skills, including attention to detail, a commitment to analytical thinking, and respect for the contributions of colleagues and others. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other standard applications. Ability to work independently, manage multiple matters at the same time, and achieve deadlines. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State.
Minimum of five years of experience in providing legal counsel wth respect to affordable housing programs, real estate lending or asset management, public finance, or other corporate transactions; knowledge of, and experience in, affordbale housing programs and construction lending is strongly preferred.
Experience supervising attorneys or support staff,
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including attention to detail, a commitment to analytical thinking, and respect for the contributions of colleagues and others.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other standard applications.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple matters at the same time, and achieve deadlines.

Responsibilities

Serve as counsel for HCR in structuring, negotiating, and closing real estate financing transactions, primarily mortgage loans provided to affordable housing projects financed by the New York State Housing Finance Agency, one of HCR’s six public authorities.
Perform legal services related to the agency’s asset management and loan servicing functions.
Assist with housing bond issuances, regulatory questions, the preparation of materials for consideration by one or more of HCR’s board of directors, and other legal issues that may arise.
Supervise Assistant Counsels and legal support staff engaged in similar duties.
Report to the Deputy Counsel overseeing transactional lawyers in our New York City office.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits [https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement] with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals
Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays
Opportunity for compressed scheduling
12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave
Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling
As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service] (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans] and while working full-time for an eligible [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment] employer.
Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.
Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job related courses
Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange)
Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!
Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to the next year for a maximum of $1300