Legal Counsel

Summary

Under general supervision, the Counsel serves as a fully qualified attorney within the Office of General Counsel of the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), providing independent legal advice and representation on a range of legal matters affecting Authority operations. This role functions as an experienced individual contributor, handling assigned legal matters with minimal supervision, advising internal clients, and supporting senior legal staff in delivering timely, accurate, and practical legal services in a public-sector environment.

Essential functions

• Provides legal advice and counsel to PHA departments and management on assigned legal matters.
• Handles legal matters independently within assigned practice areas, including research, analysis, and resolution.
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal memoranda, correspondence, contracts, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Reviews contracts, agreements, policies, and other legal instruments for legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Represents the Authority in meetings, negotiations, administrative proceedings, hearings, or court appearances, as appropriate to assignment.
• Assists Senior Counsel, Associate General Counsel, and department leadership in managing more complex legal matters.
• Coordinates with outside counsel on assigned matters, as directed by senior legal leadership.
• Identifies legal risks related to assigned matters and advises on appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Monitors developments in applicable areas of law and advises internal clients on potential operational impacts.
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to public housing authorities, including HUD regulations and guidance.
• Assigned areas of legal practice, which may include litigation, business and transactional matters, real estate, labor and employment, or regulatory compliance.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Conducting legal research and analysis and applying legal principles to practical situations.
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents with accuracy and clarity.
• Work independently on assigned legal matters with minimal supervision.
• Identify legal risks and escalate complex issues appropriately.
• Build effective working relationships with internal clients, external counsel, and stakeholders.
• Adapt to evolving legal and regulatory requirements.

Minimum education and Experience

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Association – accredited law school and minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible legal experience, handling legal matters with a high degree of independence.

Certifications, Clearances, and Licenses required

• Admission to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Bar, or admission to another U.S. jurisdiction with the requirement to obtain Pennsylvania Bar admission within a reasonable period of hire/appointment.
• Must maintain active bar membership in good standing for the duration of employment.

Travel required

Occasional travel throughout the City of Philadelphia required for meetings, site visits, hearings, or related legal activities.

PHA provides a comprehensive program of health, welfare and retirement benefits including an Educational Assistance Program and Public Interest Education Reimbursement. Employees are eligible to participate in PHA sponsored plans and programs the first of the month following hire.