Legal Research Analyst II

Department: Regulatory Affairs

Description

Under supervision, review and analyze legal issues related to the HMFA including, but not limited to those involving confidential legal issues for the Agency and multi-family rental housing and single-family home-ownership loans; draft and promulgate HMFA regulations; perform research and draft memoranda; coordinate transfer of ownership and mortgage prepayment approvals and closings; respond to HMFA and public requests for information; coordinate litigation; respond to OPRA requests; assist in EEO matters; review contracts and other documents and perform related duties as required.

• Assist in processing Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests; coordinate and provide responses to requesters, consult with the Attorney General’s Office as appropriate on related legal issues including matters of a Confidential nature and related other duties.

• Draft and promulgate regulations for the New Jersey Administrative Code, including relevant public notice and comment requirements.

• Provide litigation support for the Attorney General’s office and assist with answering interrogatories and related matters on litigation handled by outside counsel. Coordinate, track and assist counsel representing the HMFA on litigation matters inclusive of working with Human Resources on Confidential litigation.

• Draft and review contracts and other documents. Perform research and draft memoranda. Complete assignments based on sound principles and an accurate understanding of HMFA statutes, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Review and analyze Agency legal issues, including, but not limited to those involving Multi-family rental housing loans and coordinate multi-family troubled project workouts and special projects. Locate and assemble necessary information and documents to resolve any problems concerning troubled projects and special projects. Work to complete the special project or conclude the workout by coordinating the work of Audit, Technical Services, Finance, sponsors and the sponsor's attorneys.

• Process requests by housing sponsors to use residual receipts and DCE (Development Cost Escrow), CDE (Community Development Escrow) or PSR (Project Subsidy Reserve) funds. Coordinate residual receipt requests.

• As needed, coordinate and process approvals and closings of transfers of ownership involving HMFA-financed projects, mortgage prepayments, and other Regulatory Affairs transactions. Responsibilities include document preparation, as well as making certain that all outstanding conditions are satisfied to finalize the closing. Coordinate with the Attorney General’s office and sponsor to complete the required documentation.

• Resolve issues between HMFA staff and the Office of the Attorney General to complete requests.

• Prepares requests for Board action and presents to HMFA Board as required.

• As needed, assist in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) investigations and other EEO-related matters.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience:

Level II (Range 14)

Juris Doctorate and five (5) years of relevant experience; Background in regulation development and procedure and/or real estate law preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates & Licenses:

Admission to New Jersey Bar preferred.

A valid driver’s license in the state in which the person resides is required only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than an employee mobility is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Skills:

• Knowledge of HMFA statute and regulations.- Knowledge of OPRA law and procedures.- Knowledge of regulation promulgation process.- General knowledge of real estate documents and closing procedures, including municipal land use, construction requirements, and title requirements.- General knowledge of real estate appraisal methods, corporate/partnership formation documents, tax credit syndications, and bond financing requirements.- General knowledge of litigation practice.- Knowledge of HMFA administrative policies.- Knowledge of government funding programs.- Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.- Ability to accomplish multiple assignments simultaneously.- Ability to draft in a legally proficient manner and format.- Ability to prepare accurate, concise and informative reports, and to perform financial calculations related to real estate transactions.- Ability to analyze information and make appropriate recommendations.- Ability to effectively work within and meet strict deadlines, particularly involving OPRA requests

Physical Demands: Non-physical

Working Conditions: General office environment