Description

Overview:

The Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH) oversees programs that create and preserve affordable housing, support homeowners and renters, provide housing and services to homeless individuals and families, and develop city-owned property. In 2024, MOH assumed responsibility for administering the City's new Inclusionary Zoning program. This position will be instrumental in helping to implement this program.

The Assistant Corporation Counsel III ("ACC") at the Mayor’s Office of Housing ("MOH") provides legal support and guidance for MOH, with a specialization in the City’s new Inclusionary Zoning program. The Senior ACC is responsible for comprehensive representation and support of MOH, including advising department leadership and staff on a broad range of legal issues, reviewing and negotiating agreements, drafting policies and legislation, and all stages of litigation in both state and federal courts. The Senior ACC must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, clear and effective writing skills, excellent legal research skills, be prepared to represent clients on a mix of advisory, transactional, and litigation matters, and have the ability to thoughtfully address new and emerging issues. 

Responsibilities:

• Advises MOH on myriad issues impacting government entities, including but not limited to the City’s Inclusionary Zoning program, policy matters, procurement, open meeting laws, public records law, and state conflict of interest laws.
• Negotiates and reviews legal terms for MOH transactions, including real estate disposition and financing documents, affordable housing agreements, contracts, memoranda of agreement, and memoranda of understanding.
• Provides legal guidance and support in the enforcement of agreements, policies, and ordinances.
• Mentors attorneys (ACC I, II) in the conduct of their litigation, contract review, contract negotiation, and departmental advising.
• Represents the City in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including, but not limited to, MOH-specific litigation and zoning cases.
• Reviews MOH-specific ordinances and policies.
• Researches legal issues and renders opinions to City officials.
• Drafts and maintains all legal documents and templates for the City’s Inclusionary Zoning program, closely tracking all cases and legal work in a shared internal system.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate.
• At least four to six (4-6) years of experience as a lawyer in a law firm or within a government agency, with an additional preference for at least one (1) year in a supervisory or senior capacity.
• Licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with no disciplinary record.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Clear and effective writing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Westlaw, and Social Law Library.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-13

Hours per week: 35

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category.

The City of Boston has played a role in causing and perpetuating the inequities in our society. To break down these barriers, we are embedding equity and inclusion into everything we do.

We define equity as ensuring every community has the resources it needs to thrive in Boston. This requires the active process of meeting individuals where they are. Inclusion is engaging every resident to build a more welcoming and supportive city. We are building a city for everyone, where diversity makes us a more empowered collective.