Staff Attorney

The Housing Authority of the City of Durham (DHA) is seeking a motivated and service-oriented Staff Attorney to provide legal representation, legal counsel, and litigation support on matters affecting the Authority and its affiliated entities.

Reporting to the In-House Counsel, the Staff Attorney will manage a diverse caseload involving landlord-tenant matters, lease enforcement actions, collections, administrative proceedings, compliance issues, and civil litigation. This position serves as a key legal resource to DHA departments and plays an important role in helping the organization reduce legal risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and effectively enforce housing program requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking meaningful public service work while gaining broad exposure to housing law, litigation, regulatory compliance, and governmental operations.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the In-House Counsel, the Staff Attorney provides legal representation and advice concerning matters affecting DHA. The position operates with a high degree of independence in managing legal matters and is primarily focused on litigation, court appearances, administrative proceedings, legal enforcement actions, and operational legal support.

Unlike the In-House Counsel, the Staff Attorney does not serve as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Commissioners. Instead, this position concentrates on case management, litigation strategy, legal research, regulatory compliance, legal enforcement activities, and supporting DHA's operational departments.

The successful candidate will assist the Authority in reducing litigation backlogs, improving collections and lease enforcement outcomes, mitigating organizational risk, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation and Legal Representation

• Represent DHA in district court, administrative hearings, grievance hearings, informal hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Manage a high-volume caseload involving landlord-tenant matters, lease enforcement, collections, compliance issues, and civil litigation.
• Develop litigation strategies and recommendations designed to protect the interests of the Authority.
• Coordinate legal proceedings and litigation activities with outside counsel when necessary.
• Evaluate claims, disputes, and settlement opportunities and provide recommendations as appropriate.

Legal Counsel and Support

• Work closely with the In-House Counsel and operational departments on legal matters affecting the Authority.
• Advise DHA departments regarding legal risks associated with operational decisions, enforcement actions, and compliance requirements.
• Interpret federal, state, and local laws, regulations, statutes, court decisions, and HUD guidance.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda regarding housing law, landlord-tenant matters, compliance issues, and other legal topics.

Document Preparation and Review

• Draft, prepare, and review pleadings, motions, discovery requests, legal notices, settlement agreements, affidavits, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Review tenant files and supporting documentation related to legal actions and claims.
• Draft legal correspondence and responses related to litigation, compliance issues, and enforcement matters.
• Review contracts, agreements, procurement documents, policies, and other documents assigned by the In-House Counsel.

Regulatory Compliance and Training

• Assist with audits, investigations, government reviews, regulatory inquiries, and compliance initiatives.
• Support DHA departments in navigating HUD regulations, affordable housing requirements, and program compliance obligations.
• Assist in developing legally compliant policies, procedures, notices, and operational practices.
• Provide training and guidance to staff regarding landlord-tenant law, court procedures, lease enforcement, fair housing, reasonable accommodations, and related legal topics.

Reporting and Case Management

• Maintain accurate litigation files and legal records.
• Prepare reports regarding caseloads, legal outcomes, trends, emerging risks, and compliance matters.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
• Minimum of one (1) year of legal experience in litigation, civil law, housing law, government law, landlord-tenant matters, administrative law, or a related legal field.
• Experience representing clients in court proceedings and/or administrative hearings.
• Strong legal research, writing, advocacy, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

Preferred

• Experience in public housing, affordable housing, Housing Choice Voucher programs, or other HUD-assisted programs.
• Experience with collections, lease enforcement, landlord-tenant matters, real estate, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience working in local government, public sector, or nonprofit environments.
• Experience supervising legal support staff or managing significant litigation caseloads.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of litigation practices and courtroom procedures.
• Sound legal judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret laws and regulations and translate them into practical business guidance.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and public service.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, legal research platforms, electronic filing systems, and case management software.

Why Join DHA?

At DHA, our work goes beyond housing. We are committed to strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and improving quality of life for the residents we serve.

As a Staff Attorney, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in housing law, litigation, regulatory compliance, public administration, and community development. You will work alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing DHA's mission of providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing opportunities throughout Durham.

Join our team and help make a difference in the community we serve.