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Managing 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 a Managing Attorney. The Managing Attorney supports our mission by providing legal counsel and guidance to the Chief Legal Officer on the activities and services of the organization, overall compliance measures, maximization of opportunities that meet organization goals while minimizing legal exposure and/or litigation risk, and in strategic planning and goal-setting processes.

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 $145,000 and $155,000 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 capacity but must live within commutable distance to our main office in Springfield in addition to regular travel to MA courthouses.

Responsibilities include:
•    Assist the Chief Legal Officer in the development and implementation of legal strategic objectives
•    Assist the Chief Legal Officer with legal issues, including work on contracts, litigation before the courts and administrative bodies, policies, statutory, and regulatory issues
•    Provide effective and proactive leadership for the achievement of the department’s strategic business plan
•    Oversee and manage litigation, including development and implementation of litigation strategy and procedures
•    Serve as lead attorney for subset of organization programs, including providing 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
•    Lead legal review and negotiation of real estate development transactions and related activities
•    Assist the organization in new and current legal requirements, preparing and leading training seminars for organizational staff and board members, and preparing memoranda on legal issues
•    Monitor and perform legal research relative to federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations
•    Identify and suggest process improvements on an ongoing basis
•    Conduct a broad range of legal research and analysis on matters related to the organization’s functions
•    Proactively identify and inform the Chief Legal Officer or other appropriate parties of any significant legal, fiscal, staff performance, or other issues that may adversely affect the organization

Supervisory responsibilities include:
•    Effectively and proactively supervise staff, distributing and overseeing workload and responsibilities
•    Set effective and achievable training plans for new staff members; evaluate and make process improvements based on feedback
•    Evaluate and provide timely feedback to staff on performance-related matters; assess staff members’ strengths and developmental needs; implement performance plans to ensure the development and/or maintenance of necessary skills
•    Hire new/replacement staff in an efficient and fair manner, following recruiting process guidelines
•    Those supervised may include staff attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, interns, and temporary workers

Requirements include:
•    7 years' progressively responsible mid-to-senior management experience in the legal realm, preferably in a nonprofit setting
•    Admitted to Massachusetts Bar, or admittance within 6 months of hire
•    Highly experienced in civil litigation, contracts, and real estate, including in fair housing or social justice
•    Strong ability to negotiate complex transactions
•    Knowledge of governmental regulations 
•    Excellent legal research (including beyond Westlaw and Lexis), writing, and oral argument skills
•    Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills; must be self-aware and curious
•    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 wiliness 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.