Description:

Position Summary:
Our legal staff represents non-profit organizations and affiliate entities engaged in affordable housing and community and economic development. We provide community education and support clients who seek to engage in local, state, and national policy for housing justice.

The core work of our attorneys involves highly sophisticated lawyering in real estate development transactional matters for non-profit organizations and related entities. Examples of this work include assistance and counsel on:
Entity structuring & nonprofit governance — Advising on entity selection, mergers, IRS compliance, partnerships, and joint venture formation

Site acquisition— Assistance on real estate acquisitions, including due diligence, title analysis, and drafting and reviewing acquisition agreements

Planning and pre-development of affordable housing developments funded by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) or other federal, state or local sources

Formation and operations of tenant cooperatives and community land trusts

Navigating complex regulatory & funding structures — leveraging LIHTC, HUD programs, tax exemptions, and other subsidies

Other development pillars — Community economic inclusion (e.g., Section 3 hiring), mixed-use/commercial integration, manufactured home park conversions, single-room occupancy (SRO), and supportive housing models

Core Responsibilities:

Advise and counsel clients, most of which are developing affordable housing
Draft, prepare, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, loan documents, and other agreements on behalf of clients to protect their legal interests
Negotiate with lenders, architects, contractors, government entities and other parties and their counsel, to advance our client's interests
Conduct legal and program-related research
Assist in the preparation of documents necessary to challenge laws, regulations, policies, and practices that are detrimental to the interests of our clients
Supervise paralegals and/or law students on client matters
Become familiar with directives of RHLS and its funding sources, as applicable
Our legal staff participate in coalitions and committees that advance affordable housing justice and expansion of resources with government agencies and peer organizations.

Qualifications:

Graduation with a B.S. or B.A. from an accredited college or university, graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school, and admission to the practice of law in Pennsylvania or eligibility to become a member of the PA state bar within six months of hire. Admission to or eligibility to sit for the Delaware state bar is a plus.
Prior experience in the areas of transactional legal work, including real estate development and finance, OR substantive experience or knowledge of one or more of the following: partnership law, HUD and housing finance agency programs, nonprofit corporation law, or tax law.
Prior experience in affordable housing or within legal aid/low-income advocacy in the areas of housing law and/or housing advocacy is highly desirable.
Local and state travel may be required. A valid driver's license or access to alternate means of transportation is desirable.
Demonstrated commitment to achieving racial and economic justice.
RHLS offices are located in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Wilmington, DE. This position is hybrid with time in the office expected as needed, but primarily opportunities to work remotely.

Our salary range is $72,000 - $150,000 depending on experience. For example, for an attorney who just passed the bar - up to three years' relevant experience, the range is $72,000 - 85,000. For an attorney with 4-7 years' relevant experience the range is $90,000 -$120,000. For an attorney with 8 years or more relevant experience the range is $120,00-$ 150,000.

Note: See next page for summary of excellent organizational benefits.

FLSA: Exempt

Application Process & Deadlines
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to: Careers at RHLS.org with “Staff Attorney” in the subject line. We will review applications on a rolling basis; however, preference will be given to applications received by June 15, 2026.

RHLS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or status regarding public assistance. We seek to build diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organization and in partnership and allyship with the communities we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, including People of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, those from low-income or working-class backgrounds, people with lived experience of housing insecurity, and people with disabilities. We strongly encourage applicants from these groups to apply. We invite all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal practice.

We hope to hear from you!