Assistant General Counsel

Description

SUMMARY: This position provides legal counsel and representation to the Agency across a broad range of matters, including contracts, development, personnel and labor issues, and personal and general liability. The role represents the Agency in litigation and administrative proceedings and serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff. All responsibilities are performed in alignment with the Agency's core values of respect, integrity, professionalism, accountability, accuracy, timeliness, quality, and excellence, ensuring exceptional service and value to the organization and the communities it serves.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements below describe the general nature and scope of work performed by this position and reflect CMHA's core values of respect, integrity, accountability, quality, and professionalism. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities.

• Represent the Agency in contested eviction matters and small claims proceedings before the Hamilton County Municipal Court, including jury trials, delivering high-quality legal representation.

• At the discretion of the General Counsel, represent the Agency in matters pending before Ohio and Federal courts, legislative bodies, and administrative or compliance forums, demonstrating accountability and sound judgment.

• Advise Agency staff on a wide range of legal matters, including contracts, development, personnel and labor issues, and personal and general liability, with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and value-added guidance.

• Review, interpret, and advise the Agency on the impact of current, new, or revised laws and regulations affecting Agency operations, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.

• Research legal developments and provide clear, well-reasoned advisory opinions to Agency departments upon request, applying initiative and analytical rigor.

• At the discretion of the General Counsel, represent the Agency in real property matters, including acquisition, disposition, development, leasing, and review of Declarations of Trust, maintaining exceptional standards of quality and professionalism.

• Serve as liaison with outside counsel, ensuring effective coordination, accountability, and cost-effective legal services.

• Monitor Agency contracts in collaboration with the General Counsel to ensure required terms are included, performance standards are met, and contractual obligations deliver value to the Agency.

• Serve as a departmental representative on initiatives related to lease enforcement and eviction reduction efforts, supporting innovative and creative approaches such as PRC initiatives.

• Develop and deliver training to Agency staff on legal topics, policies, and compliance requirements, promoting accuracy, timeliness, and organizational excellence.

• Perform additional duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and commitment to exceptional service.

Requirements

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate competencies aligned with CMHA's values of respect, integrity, accountability, professionalism, excellence, and quality.

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and HUD regulations governing or affecting public housing operations.

• Thorough understanding of legislative and administrative processes.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, presenting complex legal concepts with accuracy, clarity, and professionalism.

• Proven ability to prepare briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents and to engage in effective oral advocacy with strong analytical skills.

• Ability to analyze highly complex situations and data, identify alternatives, and provide practical, value-driven recommendations.

• Demonstrated experience litigating and appearing before federal, state, municipal, or administrative courts.

• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to public housing.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.

• Ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with Agency directors, managers, department heads, and external partners.

• Demonstrated ability to remain focused, exercise sound judgment, and maintain quality and accuracy under pressure.

• Skilled in negotiating fair and acceptable settlements on behalf of the Agency, reflecting integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

• Active license to practice law in the State of Ohio and admission to the U.S. District Court.

• Minimum of two (2) years of litigation experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to sit or stand for eight hours while performing essential work duties. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that could have increased stress levels.

OTHER: The candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in state of residence and maintain an insurable driving record under the terms and conditions of the CMHA auto liability policy. The candidate may have no more than 6 accumulated points in 3 consecutive years.