Paralegal

Job Details: Job Location: 423 Morris Street - Durham, NC, Salary Range: Undisclosed, The Housing Authority of the City of Durham (DHA) is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Housing Authority Paralegal to provide legal, administrative, compliance, and litigation support to the Authority's Legal Department.

Reporting to the In-House Counsel, this position plays a critical role in supporting legal operations involving landlord-tenant matters, lease enforcement, administrative hearings, collections, public housing programs, affordable housing initiatives, procurement activities, and regulatory compliance. The Housing Authority Paralegal assists with legal research, document preparation, case management, court coordination, records management, and compliance monitoring while helping improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of DHA's legal operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional seeking meaningful public service work while supporting a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving Durham residents and communities.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Staff Attorney and/or In-House Counsel, the Housing Authority Paralegal provides comprehensive support in the management of legal matters affecting the Authority. This position assists attorneys with legal document preparation, case management, court and hearing coordination, legal research, compliance activities, records management, and organizational legal support functions.

The successful candidate will possess strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation and Legal Support

Assist attorneys with landlord-tenant litigation, lease enforcement actions, grievance hearings, administrative proceedings, and collections matters.
Prepare legal notices, pleadings, affidavits, motions, court filings, correspondence, hearing documents, and other legal forms utilizing approved templates and attorney guidance.
Review resident files, leases, notices, ledgers, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Coordinate filing of legal documents with courts, hearing officers, government agencies, and other entities.
Assist attorneys with preparation for court appearances, hearings, mediations, and administrative proceedings.
Coordinate service of legal documents and maintain supporting records related to service and filing requirements.

Case Management and Administration

Maintain litigation calendars and track court dates, hearing schedules, filing deadlines, and critical legal milestones.
Organize, maintain, and manage physical and electronic legal records, files, and documentation.
Monitor legal files to ensure compliance with court orders, hearing requirements, deadlines, and regulatory obligations.
Assist with litigation reporting, case-status updates, and management reporting.
Develop and maintain legal forms, templates, checklists, tracking systems, and process documentation.

Research and Compliance Support

Conduct legal, regulatory, and policy research related to public housing, affordable housing, Housing Choice Voucher programs, landlord-tenant law, fair housing requirements, procurement regulations, and related topics.
Review and summarize statutes, regulations, court decisions, administrative rulings, and HUD guidance.
Assist with preparation of legal memoranda, presentations, reports, and recommendations.
Support public records requests, subpoenas, discovery requests, and document production activities.
Assist departments with legal compliance issues, document gathering, and case preparation activities.

Collaboration and Customer Service

Serve as a liaison between legal counsel and DHA departments regarding legal matters and requests for assistance.
Work collaboratively with Property Management, Housing Choice Voucher, Finance, Real Estate Development, Resident Services, Asset Management, and other departments.
Maintain the confidentiality of privileged, sensitive, and protected information.
Provide administrative support to legal staff as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
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Required Qualifications

Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, litigation support specialist, court administrator, or similar role.
Experience preparing legal documents, maintaining case files, conducting research, and supporting litigation activities.
Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and/or Paralegal Certification.
Experience in landlord-tenant law, housing law, public housing, affordable housing, government, nonprofit, municipal, or real estate legal environments.
Experience working with court filing systems, legal case management software, and document management systems.

Core Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of legal procedures, court processes, and litigation support practices.
Strong legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong organizational and case management skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn legal and property management software systems.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with attorneys, staff, residents, courts, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
Strong customer service orientation and commitment to professionalism.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join DHA?

The Housing Authority of the City of Durham is dedicated to providing quality affordable housing and strengthening communities throughout Durham. As a Housing Authority Paralegal, you will play an important role in supporting the legal operations that help protect DHA's interests, ensure compliance, and advance our mission of serving residents and the community.