HACC

SUMMARY

The Housing Authority of Cook County seeks a highly qualified Senior Real Estate Attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. The successful candidate will manage clients’ legal risks in real estate transactions and ensure compliance with real estate laws and regulations. Responsibilities include lease negotiations for multi-family use properties, acquisition and disposition of real estate, site selection and due diligence, title and survey examination, zoning and land use issues, negotiating economic development incentives, property development, new construction, and real estate financing. The ideal candidate is an independent worker with excellent legal research and writing skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external clients. The Senior Real Estate Attorney reports to the General Counsel of the Housing Authority.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advise and counsel on real estate matters, including sales transactions, disputes, zoning, subdivision, and frauds involving real estate disclosures or mortgages
• Draft routine leases and amendments, as well as sales and transfer of title contracts
• Write and file claims, motions, and court briefs
• Litigate real estate disputes in court if necessary
• Negotiate real estate agreements
• Conduct real estate closings
• Apply knowledge of administrative law, traditional labor law, employment discrimination law, landlord/tenant law, civil procedure and civil rights law
• Demonstrate familiarity with tort, contract, municipal government, employment and real property law as well as state and local court rules and procedures
• Research and advise on ADA principles, including reasonable accommodations (preferred but not required)
• Proactively manage, and prioritize work assignments in a timely manner, ensuring legal sufficiency, accuracy, completion, and compliance with program requirements
• Draft, review and negotiate contract documents, including construction and real estate
• Coordinate with outside attorneys to resolve outstanding legal matters
• Complete LLC entity setup and annual filing
• Apply knowledge of Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act principles (preferred but not required)
• Demonstrate knowledge of affordable housing laws and HUD public housing regulations preferred
• Perform all other duties and assignments as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Proficiency in advising and counseling on real estate matters
• Strong drafting and litigation skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Ability to conduct real estate closings
• Comprehensive understanding of administrative, labor, employment discrimination, landlord/tenant, civil procedure, and civil rights laws
• Familiarity with tort, contract, municipal government, employment, real property law, and state/local court rules and procedures
• Knowledge of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) rules and guidelines
• Research and counseling skills related to ADA principles (preferred)
• Efficient work management and prioritization.
• Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various contract documents
• Coordination with outside legal professional
• Knowledge of FOIA and Open Meetings Act principles (preferred)
• Understanding of affordable housing and HUD regulations (preferred)

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR CERTIFICATION
•J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Board-certified Real Estate Law or Master of Laws in Real Estate
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.
• Minimum of five (5) years of multi-family real estate experience
• Experience working on commercial real estate transactions
• Excellent organizational and drafting skills

EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS OPERATED

• Personal computer and peripherals
• Standard office equipment

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work beyond the normal work day will be required at times
• Work environment consists substantially of indoor office activities performed in a heated/air-conditioned setting
• Position requires the need to sit, stand, bend, climb, and/or stretch for extended periods of time
• Frequent repetitive hand movement (e.g. typing)
• Contact with owners and clients may become hostile at times
• Appointees will be required to possess a valid driver’s license and the statewide minimum insurance requirements if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position
• Travel within Cook County suburbs will be required at times
• Overnight travel outside of Cook County will be occasionally required

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.