General Counsel

About This Role

Serving as the in-house attorney, the General Counsel provides comprehensive legal counsel across affordable housing development, corporate governance, litigation, asset management, and operational activities. This role acts as a strategic legal advisor to the organization's leadership, Board of Directors, and affiliated entities, with primary responsibility for all legal matters affecting the organization and its portfolio of affordable housing projects. The position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with various teams and manage sophisticated affordable housing transactions from formation through closing and throughout the life cycle of projects and entities. The General Counsel also acts as a thought partner for the CEO, helping to drive strategic direction and develop new programs, and oversees a team of three paralegals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel on affordable housing development transactions from initial structuring through closing
• Form and maintain housing development fund companies (HDFCs) and other project-specific entities
• Draft and review organizational and authorization documents, including certificates of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreements, partnership agreements, related entity documents, corporate and project-level resolutions, certificates, and consents
• Draft and deliver legal opinion letters in connection with affordable housing transactions and financings
• Review and negotiate loan documents, including construction and permanent loan documents, security instruments, regulatory agreements, and related financing documents
• Review title commitments, title policies, surveys, zoning materials, and other due diligence materials and resolve issues as necessary
• Coordinate with lenders, investors, developers, outside counsel, title companies, governmental agencies, and other transaction participants
• Manage and facilitate affordable housing project closings, including coordinating legal closing requirements and ensuring all organizational and transactional documents are properly executed and delivered
• Manage the organization's litigation and dispute-resolution matters as the primary legal point of contact
• Oversee outside litigation counsel's work
• Provide strategic advice to management regarding litigation risk, settlement considerations, and dispute resolution
• Maintain oversight of all pending and potential litigation and ensure that appropriate reporting and internal documentation are maintained
• Coordinate with insurance carriers and claims representatives, as appropriate, in connection with litigation and other claims
• Serve as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors and the HDFC's
• Provide legal guidance concerning corporate governance matters
• Prepare Board and committee meeting packages, agendas, resolutions, consents, supporting materials, and meeting minutes