Executive Agency Counsel - job 4 of 4

As the Executive Agency Counsel at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, your key responsibilities include providing essential legal services to the agency’s affordable housing development programs, performing closings of construction and permanent financings, and preparing and reviewing complex documentation for real estate transactions. You will also analyze local and state laws to ensure compliance and negotiate complex transactions effectively.

To qualify for the Executive Agency Counsel position at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, candidates must be admitted to the New York State Bar and hold at least four years of relevant legal experience, including 18 months in a supervisory role. A thorough understanding of local housing laws and excellent analytical and writing skills are preferred for this role to effectively navigate legal complexities.

The Executive Agency Counsel at HPD plays a crucial role in promoting affordable housing in New York City by ensuring that all legal aspects of housing development programs are managed effectively. By providing legal guidance, negotiating deals, and ensuring compliance with regulations, you will directly support the agency’s aim of executing an ambitious affordable housing plan that benefits the local community.

Essential skills for the Executive Agency Counsel position at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development include strong legal research abilities, exceptional writing skills, and in-depth knowledge of affordable housing laws. Furthermore, the ability to lead a team, negotiate complex legal issues, and collaborate effectively with colleagues across various departments is critical for success in this role.

The work environment for the Executive Agency Counsel at HPD promotes diversity and inclusivity, reflecting its commitment to creating a positive and supportive atmosphere. Team members work collaboratively to tackle challenges in affordable housing development, all while upholding high professional standards and fostering a culture of respect and communication.

In your response, discuss specific real estate transactions you have handled, emphasizing your role in negotiating deals, preparing documentation, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Highlight any significant challenges and how you overcame them.

To answer, mention resources such as legal journals, professional associations, and continuing education. Emphasize your commitment to ongoing learning and how it impacts your ability to provide informed legal advice.

Provide a detailed example of a complicated negotiation where you played a key role. Explain the context, the stakeholders involved, your negotiation strategy, and the successful outcome that benefited your agency or clients.

Discuss your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative environment. Highlight skills such as mentoring, setting clear expectations, and resolving conflicts effectively to promote team success.

In answering this question, talk about your detailed-oriented nature and the processes you follow to ensure clarity and accuracy in legal documents. Mention the importance of anticipating potential issues and the stickiness of language to avoid ambiguity.

Discuss current challenges such as funding, regulation changes, or market demand. Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of the affordable housing landscape and how you might contribute to overcoming these obstacles in the Executive Agency Counsel role.

Articulate your passion for affordable housing and how it aligns with HPD’s mission. Mention any specific programs or initiatives of HPD that resonate with your professional values and career goals.

Explain your time management techniques, including how you assess urgency and importance, utilize organizational tools, and remain flexible to accommodate shifts in priorities.

Choose a project that showcases your legal expertise and ability to guide a team. Describe the objectives, your role, and the results, emphasizing your leadership and initiative.

Discuss your philosophy on compliance and the significance of maintaining legal integrity in housing development. Mention how you ensure all parties adhere to regulations while pursuing innovative solutions for delivering affordable housing.