General Counsel

General Counsel

Salary

$221,823.30 - $267,816.22 Annually

Location

Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), 2600 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

Job Type

At-Will Exempt

Job Number

26-74

Department

Legal

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

11/6/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Please go to http://www.hacla.org/careers for details of this position and to apply.

Special Note: The posted salary is an estimate of the potential annual pay. Final offer will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Scale: Candidates can expect to be hired within the 8-step annual salary range of $221,823.30 - $267,816.22.

Definition: The General Counsel is a senior level position that serves as the chief legal advisor to the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), including but not limited to its executive staff, senior management, and HACLA's Board of Commissioners. The General Counsel oversees all legal services, manages the internal legal team, and oversees outside counsel to support HACLA's operational, regulatory, and strategic objectives.

The General Counsel reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer and provides strategic legal counsel to the President & CEO, the Board of Commissioners, executive leadership, and senior management. The General Counsel also acts as lead counsel for litigation, procurement services, all affiliated entities and instrumentalities that own and manage various HACLA assets, including but not limited to HACLA's fundraising and nonprofit program, Build Hope Inc., and LA LOMOD, a separate non-profit contracted with HUD to oversee Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) contracts across Southern California. The role serves as a key member of the President & CEO's senior management team and as a key advisor on organizational governance, policy development and interpretation, and enterprise risk management.

Examples of Essential Functions - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Serves as the chief legal counsel and provides legal advice and strategic guidance to the Board of Commissioners, executive leadership, and senior management on all legal matters involving HACLA's business operations, business activities, business transactions, contract administration, programs, governance, and the legal implications of all proposed or enacted policies and procedures.

Participates in the development of agency policies and procedures as well as interpretation, guidance, and enforcement of applicable federal, state or local laws, policies, or regulations that may impact HACLA and its affiliate nonprofits and instrumentalities.

Attends the Board of Commissioners' meetings and advises on legal and procedural matters; reviews and approves staff reports, proposed resolutions, and related documents presented to the Board of Commissioners.

Oversees corporate governance matters, including but not limited to maintaining, updating, and ensuring compliance with corporate formation documents and other related filings, and compliance with the Brown Act and other public-agency regulations.

Establishes and oversees systems and processes to identify, investigate, address, and ensure compliance and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and practices.

Identifies potential and actual conflicts of interest under state and federal laws, rules, regulations and programs, and manages resolution processes, using external counsel when appropriate.

Identifies legal risks and advises executives and management on exposure to identified risks, mitigation strategies, and compliance requirements.

Evaluates litigation, regulatory actions, and other administrative matters affecting HACLA; and develops legal strategies and recommends settlements as warranted.

Advises on legislation that may affect HACLA and assists with the preparation of legislative proposals, as requested.

Negotiates complex contracts, transactions, agreements, and settlements consistent with HACLA's interests and professional obligations and responsibilities.

Oversees legal services and provide support for administrative public-agency functions including public records requests, administrative hearings, and related legal matters.

Develops and delivers training programs and activities to executives, managers, and staff on legal requirements, regulatory changes, and best practices.

Directs, manages, and evaluates the litigation and transactional staff in the Legal Department; assigns matters as appropriate; and mentors and develops attorneys and support staff.

Oversees and manages the selection, engagement, and performance of outside counsel in compliance with procurement requirements.

Develops and manages the budget for internal legal operations and outside legal services.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as needed.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Foundational legal principles, best practices, procedures, and regulatory obligations applicable to public-sector agencies, corporate and municipal entities.
• Methods, procedures, and practices used in the conduct of civil litigation.
• Methods and techniques for evaluating legal risks and liabilities.
• Provisions of federal, state, and local legislation, statutes, codes, procedures and court decisions related to public housing programs and operations.
• Municipal law; public agency law; litigation; real estate law; contract law; employment law; corporate and business law; and administrative law.
• General principles of business administration, public administration, public relations, and community relations.
• Principles of training, supervising, managing, and leading a legal team.

Ability to:

• Provide executive-level leadership on enterprise risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
• Develop strategic plans, legal service frameworks, and operational goals.
• Manage risk, promote compliance, and contribute organizational effectiveness.
• Effectively communicate highly technical information concisely and in understandable terms in presentations, reports, recommendations, and legal analyses.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry representatives, officials of public and private organizations, internal stakeholders, and the public.
• Establishes framework for legal policies, procedures, practices, and service delivery models.

Skills in:

• Performing highly complex and significant legal work on matters related low-income housing in a public entity setting.
• Managing, overseeing and directing litigation, regulatory matters, and legal strategies.
• Working directly with governing board members in a public entity setting.
• Drafting and negotiating complex contracts and agreements including but not limited to real estate development agreements, ground and premises leases and related instruments, inter-agency agreements, financial agreements and securitized instruments.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited American Bar Association school of law.

A member of the California State Bar admitted and licensed to practice law in the State of California.

Experience:

Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as an attorney, of which five (5) years must be at the senior level including responsibility for managing a legal team of attorneys and related support staff in a professional environment.

Desired Qualifications: Public-sector experience is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to navigate legal issues in public, community-facing, or government environments, including presenting at public meetings, advising public bodies, and working effectively with residents, community members, and other stakeholders. Experience with public housing authorities, HUD programs, redevelopment, affordable housing, or related regulatory frameworks is highly desirable, but not required.

Special Requirements: Must possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed for relevant experience, education, and/or training. Applications must be detailed and complete for proper evaluation. Resumes may be included but may not be submitted in lieu of application content. Only the most-qualified applicants will be considered and may be invited to the interview and selection process.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be reviewed for relevant experience, education and training. The application must be detailed and complete for proper evaluation.

HIRING INFORMATION

All job offers are contingent upon providing a successful completion of a pre-employment evaluation, which includes: a post-offer medical examination (includes drug and alcohol screening), criminal records check, employment history and education verification, and documentation of the right to work in the United States.

Candidates will start at step one (1) of an eight (8) step salary range unless there are special exceptions in accordance with agency Personnel Rules.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION

Testing Accommodations: If you require an accommodation due to a physical, mental or learning disability, please call (213) 252-5400 or email Recruitment@hacla.org no less than 72 hours prior to testing date for special assistance. Special testing accommodations may be arranged if verification of the disability is provided by a physician, rehabilitation counselor, or other authority.

Candidates who require a reasonable accommodation in any portion of the selection process should state their need in writing when submitting an application.

NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Pursuant to the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Conflict of Interest Policy, new and existing employees are required to refrain from participating in activities, employment or enterprises, which are in conflict with public interest and/or with his or her duties as an employee of the Authority. A copy of the Conflict of Interest Policy may be obtained by visiting our website at:

http://www.hacla.org/Portals/0/Attachments/Others/ConflictofInterestPolicy.pdf

Please call NeoGov Toll-Free Applicant Support telephone line (855) 524-5627 if you forget your password, have application login problems or get an error message during the application process.

HACLA Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Plan:

• HACLA will provide up to 100% of the CalPERS medical premium rate for Los Angeles, San Bernardino & Ventura Counties Kaiser rates for employee only, employee + one dependent, and employee + multiple dependents as applicable

• HACLA will provide 100% of basic Dental HMO rates for employee only, employee + one dependent, and employee + multiple dependents as applicable

• HACLA will provide 100% basic Vision coverage for employee only, employee + one dependent, and employee + multiple dependents as applicable

• $250 OPT OUT payment is available for employees with a qualifying health plan outside of the employer network.

• Employees have the option to choose additional optional insurance such as Dental PPO, Custom Vision, additional medical coverage, and voluntary additional life insurance.

• Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability/Mandatory Life:

• HACLA will provide 100% of STD/LTD/Mandatory Life premiums for all eligible employees to maintain the IRS 125 Plan

• Pension Plan:

• HACLA retirement plan is the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Vesting is five (5) years.

• For Classic members, the pension formula is 2.7% at 55 with members contributing 8% of their wages towards their retirement.

• For PEPRA members, the pension formula is 2% at 62, with members contributing 7.75% of their wages towards their retirement.

• CalPERS will make the determination regarding the type of membership for which the eligible employee will qualify.

• General Leave/Holidays/PTO:

• Annual leave accruals vary, depending upon the type of job/position (membership in employee organizational group) and years of service. Length of service increases accrual rates by employee organizational group when service requirements are met.

• Newly Hired Annual Accruals:

• At-Will/Non-Represented accrual per pay period 5.23 hours (17 days annually)

• Council of Housing Professionals-Management accrual per pay period 4.15 hours (14 days annually)

• Council of Housing Professionals-Administration accrual per pay period 6.78 hours (22 days annually)

• Service Employees International Union (Local 721) accrual per pay period 6.78 hours (22 days annually)

• Los Angeles County Building and Construction Trades Council accrual per pay period 5.23 hours (17 days annually)

• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees accrual per pay period 6.78 hours (22 days annually)

• 14 Observed Holidays:

• New Years Eve; New Years Day; Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday; Presidents Day; Cesar Chavez Day; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Day After Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

• 12 Floating Holiday hours annually

• Opportunity to earn up to 160 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) for eligible exempt employees as comp time per calendar year. Employees may cash out up to 160 hours of accrued and unused PTO annually.

• Additional Optional Benefits:

• Pre-Tax Deferred Compensation 457 Plan

• Group term life insurance

• Flexible Spending Account Options

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible Work Schedules

• Partial Telework Program

• Temporary Casual/Per-Diem employee are eligible to enroll/receive the following benefits:

• Kaiser Medical Insurance - 50% employer covered medical through Kaiser Permanente if working 30 hours or more per week.

• Paid Sick Time - At least 40 hours or 5 days of sick leave after 90 days of employment.

• Eligible casual employees may enter as Classic or PEPRA members if qualifying requirements are met.

• Per-Diem employees are not eligible for the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS).

Note: Temporary casual/per-diem employees are able to work up to 40 hours per week as necessary.

• Availability of benefits are dependent upon employment eligibility status with HACLA*

01

What is your highest level of education?

• High School
• Certification
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Juris Doctor Degree

02

Are you a member in good standing of the California State Bar?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of experience do you have as an attorney?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

04

How many years of experience do you have as an attorney in senior level role?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

05

How many years of experience do you have managing a legal team of attorneys and related support staff in a professional environment?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

06

How many years of experience do you have in litigation?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

07

Describe a time when you identified a significant legal risk for your organization. How did you communicate this risk to executive leadership, and what mitigation strategies did you implement?

Required Question

Employer Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles

Address 2600 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Floor

Los Angeles, California, 90057

Phone 213-252-5400

Website http://www.hacla.org