Attorney

Attorney - Job Description
Responsible To: Chief Operating Officer

Function: In close collaboration with the Executive Director, provides leadership and support to ensure assigned areas of responsibility are Mission Focused, maximize operating performance, adhere to sound business and quality practices, and are in compliance with all applicable regulations. As a member of the Executive Management Team (EMT), participates in outcomes planning, supports the development of policies and procedures, ensures a healthy work culture, and positively represents the organization at all times. To provide legal counsel to The Resource Center and affiliated entities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of legal issues as they pertain to individuals with disabilities and their families, and to real estate and corporate law. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and will have the ability to self-initiate and self-direct in order to make optimal use of time. The Resource Center will look to candidates who have a sensitivity to the needs of individuals with disabilities and for those who are willing and able to research legal issues for which they do not have a comprehensive knowledge base.

Minimum Qualifications: Corporate Counsel — J.D. or equivalent from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar. Three (3) years of experience as an attorney in real estate and corporate transactions. Experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families will be given priority. General Counsel — J.D. or equivalent from an accredited law school and at least ten (10) years or experience in practice of relevant ares of law (at least five (5) of which must be in an in-house capacity). Experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families will be given priority.

Duties Direction and Planning: In conjunction with the Executive Support Team (EST) and other management staff, is responsible for:

• Development, implementation and monitoring of departmental outcomes, strategies, and performance targets, and prototypes in the areas of Customer Satisfaction, Workforce Development, Financial, Process Improvement and Customer Outcomes.
• Development, review, and execute policies and procedures, as approved and authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Director, and in close collaboration with the management team.
• Support and facilitate the development and growth of operations and services in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Work in conjunction with the EST in the development and preparation of business plans to be submitted for review and/or approval.
• Working in conjunction with the EST to fulfill the mission by utilizing, leveraging, and supporting collaborative relationships, partnerships and transactions.

Administrative:

• Develops and supports initiatives to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of assigned operations and services.
• Prepares, implements and monitors business, operational, and financial plans to ensure financial stability in assigned areas of responsibility. Operates assigned operational programs and initiatives in a fiscally sound manner. Creates, reviews and adheres to annual budget for assigned operational programs.
• Responsible to ensure procedures are in place in assigned areas of responsibility to promote compliance with agency policies and mitigate risk.
• Assists in the facilitation of pertinent communication and information sharing, both within and outside of the organization.
• Supports and facilitates a system of regular communication and reporting of various matters to the Executive Director and Board Advisory Committees as assigned.
• Supports agency operations by conducting regular site visits to various locations to be accessible to the staff and clients to facilitate communication, express appreciation, celebrate accomplishments, and identify opportunities for positive improvement.

Specific Duties:

• Review and/or prepare all contracts, leases, notes, certificates of incorporation, by-laws, Board resolutions, subpoenas, IRS applications and documents executed by The Resource Center and affiliated corporations.
• Represent The Resource Center and affiliated corporations in legal proceedings such as mortgage closings, bond-financed closings, petitions for medical orders, contract disputes, sales and/or purchases of business assets, federal, state and local administrative law hearings including, but not limited to, hearings before the New York State Unemployment Insurance Division, United States Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission and OPWDD, and civil litigation which is not covered by insurance carriers.
• Review and/or prepare all legal documents which relate to The Resource Center and its affiliated corporations, including, but not limited to, real estate, commercial and corporate transactions.
• Oversee all litigation involving The Resource Center and affiliated corporations, and coordinate the involvement of outside counsel in matters requiring specialized legal expertise or additional legal counsel for The Resource Center and affiliated corporations.
• Conduct research and provide counsel for legal issues as they arise, review and/or prepare policies and procedures of The Resource Center and affiliated corporations pertaining to legal issues, attend Board and/or Board committee meetings of The Resource Center and affiliated corporations and serve on Program committees as needed.
• Perform any other duties as required.