Attorney

Attorney

Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking an Attorney. The Attorney assists the Legal department with legal issues, including work on contracts; litigation before the courts and administrative bodies; policies, compliance, and statutory and regulatory issues.

Benefits include: 20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15 holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $110,000 and $125,000 per year depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The candidate may work in a hybrid-remote manner but must live within commutable distance to our main office in Springfield. In addition, regular travel to MA courthouses throughout the state is required.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with legal issues, including work on contracts; litigation before the courts and administrative bodies; policies, compliance, risk management, and statutory and regulatory issues

• Provide advice and risk analysis concerning the applicability of and compliance with all federal/state statutes, regulations, and contracts that may impact agency programs, policies, operations, or spending activities including but not limited to, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

• Assist in developing and maintaining compliance functions

• Handle litigation matters before courts and administrative bodies

• Assist with informal hearings for appeals of termination of housing program benefits

• Assist in maintaining new and current legal requirements; preparing and assisting with training seminars for organizational staff; and with conducting research

• Proactively identify and suggest improvements for legal policies and risk management

• Assist with document reviews and discovery

• Monitor and perform legal research relative to federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations

• Conduct a broad range of legal research and analysis on matters related to the organization’s functions

• Summarize research and legal findings into meaningful, pragmatic guidance

• Proactively identify and suggest process improvements on an ongoing basis

• Work cross-functionally to operationalize risk management policies and procedures

Skills and experience preferences include:

• 7 years' legal experience, 5 years relevant to the role’s duties, preferably in a nonprofit setting; those with less experience are encouraged to apply

• Admitted to Massachusetts Bar

• Preference for experience in litigation, contracts, and/or real estate, including in fair housing or social justice

• Excellent legal research (including beyond Westlaw and Lexis), writing, and oral argument skills

• Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills

• Advanced computer/software skills, and comfort learning new technologies

• Ability to manage/meet short deadlines and shift priorities as necessary and appropriate in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to be team-oriented, including having a willingness to collaborate on the Legal department’s projects and share joint ownership of the outcomes

• Strong communication skills, including in building relationships across differences

• Demonstrated good judgment in decision-making and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality

• Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts to litigate cases

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.