About the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA)

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is made of diverse and dedicated teams who are deeply committed to delivering quality, safe, and affordable housing and sustainability opportunities to citizens throughout Washington, D.C. For 90 years, largely through federal funding, DCHA manages nearly 8,000 public housing units across 50 properties and administers more than 13,000 housing vouchers annually. Are you ready to join a workforce that invests in both their employees and over 19,000 families in Washington, DC.?

The Opportunity

Serves as Senior Litigation Counsel and provides advice and counsel to the General Counsel and support to other attorneys and support staff in litigation matters as follows:

Provides both general and specific experience and advice to internal counsel and paralegal staff and outside counsels providing legal assistance on DCHA litigation matters
Provides oral and written legal advice; prepares pleadings and motions for litigation, advising the General Counsel of all such matters; appears in court and prepares for trial and defense actions and drafts Opinions of Counsel for approval by the General Counsel; conducts and defends depositions; oversees subpoena and discovery productions and responses; analyzes complex problems; seeks General Counsel input in precedent-setting cases and keeps the General Counsel informed of the preparation of cases for court disposition as well as the proposed disposition of each matter or case
Conducts investigations and legal research of laws, legal opinions, policies, regulations, legal texts and legal issues, analyzing the factual and legal issues involved, explaining the application of legal principles and precedents to obtain evidentiary data and recommend an agency course of action, and justifying recommendations or conclusions
Renders legal advice and services with respect to questions, regulations, practices or other matters falling within the purview of public housing;
Supervises junior attorneys, paralegals, and staff working on the same litigation matters

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) required
Must be a member of the District of Columbia Bar
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant legal experience

Job Competencies

Expert knowledge of housing programs, policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements and activities as they apply to DCHA
Mastery in the application of District of Columbia, HUD, and other federal laws, codes, regulations, and rules affecting public housing and housing choice vouchers
Experience drafting pleadings, motions, performing legal research, and oral argument.
Capacity to mentor, lead, and train associate and assistant general counsels, and paralegal staff
Broad business foundation and strong negotiating and analytical skills
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Capable networker

Supervisory Controls

The Senior Litigation Counsel works under general administrative direction. The incumbent will independently conduct investigations or negotiations, plans and approaches; independently draft and argue motions; and develop and recommend completed decisions, reports, briefs, and opinions.

What We Offer

Work in a supportive and collaborative environment
5% agency-sponsored retirement plan after 12 months of employment
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
Competitive group life insurance coverage
457b plan with Roth IRA option
26 days of paid time off per year
12 paid holidays per year
Employee Assistance Program
Agency-sponsored training and development opportunities
Comprehensive commuter benefits program
Generally, our employees work Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM

Our Commitment to Diversity

Please apply to this posting to be considered for this opportunity with DCHA. Additionally, please submit your resume via our talent pool to be considered for future openings with DCHA. Our Talent team truly appreciates your interest and hopes to contact you for a future opportunity.

DCHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. DCHA is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to humanresources@dchousing.org.

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions, which may include criminal background checks, drug testing, verification of references, academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and work history.