Housing Court Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Research and represent Riverbay in Housing Court, assist Counsel with negotiation of Court stipulations, conference cases , recommend settlements, notify management of dispositions, maintain electronic log of non-payment & holdover cases, arrange for court-ordered maintenance, arrange and prep witnesses for trial, coordinate monthly meeting with Finance Department & the Office of the General Counsel. 
• Special projects to support Legal Department operations. 
• Provide confidential litigation / administrative support to attorneys and other legal department staff.
• Act as a liaison with outside counsel daily to update Landlord /Tenant court and forward all requested information and documents to outside counsel in advance of next scheduled court date. 
• Obtain and review shareholder files and submit new holdover cases to outside counsel and ensure that all predicate notices for holdovers are processed to meet deadlines, including any court-imposed ones.
• Coordinate with other departments including Residential Sales, Cooperator Services Office and Finance, etc. regarding case administration as well as status on apartment investigations, signed work orders, certificate of corrections and succession applications.
• Coordinate availability and arrival of all witnesses for hearings and trials. 
• Interact with shareholders in a professional manner to address needs and concerns
• Process all monthly retainer invoices and related bills. 
• Evaluate receipt of correspondence and phone calls for appropriate / immediate action by the Legal Department with priority placed on litigation documents, including, summons and complaints and order to show cause (OTSC). 
• Appear at evening Cooperator Appeals meetings.
• Perform general administrative duties.
• Assist General Counsel with special projects and investigations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work experience requirements:

• 5+ years prior work experience as a paralegal in a NY law firm. 
• Knowledge of the laws and practices of Bronx Housing Court as to non-payment, HP and holdover cases.
• Knowledge of large housing company operations and ability to work with all levels of employees. 
• Skill in maintaining litigation case files and legal documents.
• Ability to professionally represent management in housing court and make quick decisions under pressure.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, based on the needs of the business.

Education/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred. 
• Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Prior work experience managing a large case load.
• Familiarity with affordable housing laws, including PHFL, HUD, Section 8, etc. 
• Working experience with legal, financial and property management software.

Testing:

• Drug screening, as permitted by, and consistent with, applicable law.

Physical Requirements: 

Persons performing service in this position classification may routinely exert up to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. This type of work will involve regular walking or standing for extended periods of time. It may involve stooping or bending. Handling and working with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person to perform the essential functions of the job.

*** Riverbay Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ***