Deputy General Counsel, Litigation - Affordable Housing Finance

About Us:

The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) believes stable and sustainable affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities and we strive to contribute to comprehensive neighborhood revitalization through our lending and partnerships. A nationally recognized leader in affordable housing finance, CPC has provided a consistent source of capital to underserved housing markets throughout New York State since our inception in 1974.

Today, CPC stands as the largest CDFI solely committed to investing in multifamily housing, having invested more than $15 billion to finance the creation and preservation of more than 230,000 units of quality housing in neighborhoods across New York State and beyond. CPC has a robust construction lending platform, a mortgage bank, and equity and impact investment platforms that focus on our three goals: Expanding Affordable Housing, Closing the Racial Wealth Gap and Investing in the Green Economy.

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that make a real difference in people's lives. We're looking for talented individuals who are passionate about our mission and share our values of commitment, respect, excellence, accountability, and collaboration.

Role Summary:

The Deputy General Counsel focuses on litigation and other legal support to CPC’s mortgage lending business, including managing CPC’s delinquent loan portfolio by directing strategy and overseeing all enforcement efforts, including foreclosure and loan workouts. This role also provides tactical guidance for all legal disputes and risk mitigation efforts. This role is critical in protecting CPC’s interests across its affordable housing finance and commercial mortgage lending operations. The ideal candidate will bring deep litigation expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to CPC’s mission.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and manage all litigation matters, including enforcement actions, commercial disputes, and other business related litigation with the goal of protecting CPC’s or investor’s interests through litigation or reasonable litigation avoidance.

• Provide strategic legal advice to the General Counsel and senior leadership on litigation risk, resolution strategies, and legal exposure.

• Collaborate with leaders across company business functions to align legal strategies with broader company objectives and reputational considerations.

• Provide counsel and advice to support units, including construction portfolio management, loan servicing, and asset management.

• Oversee outside counsel relationships, ensuring effective representation and cost management.

• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., Servicing, Asset Management, Originations) to identify and mitigate litigation risks.

• Draft and review legal correspondence, settlement and forbearance agreements, litigation-related documentation, maturity extension agreements.

• Represent CPC in mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings as needed.

• Monitor legal developments in housing finance, mortgage lending, and nonprofit governance that may impact CPC’s litigation posture.

• Support compliance and regulatory initiatives, including responding to subpoenas, audits, and enforcement actions.

• Lead discovery, e-discovery and litigation holds.

• Assist General Counsel with litigation-related aspects of new program initiatives.

• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders by responding promptly and accurately to legal inquiries.

• Provide management and supervision of paralegal staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, performance management and terminations

• Review and approve outside counsel billing statements, ensuring accuracy and reasonableness.

• Leverage artificial intelligence to enhance litigation strategy, automate document review, identify evidence, and accelerate discovery while ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

Skills and Experience:

• Admission and good standing as an attorney in the State of New York

• Admission and good standing as an attorney in other states a plus

• Minimum of 15 years of litigation experience, preferably in commercial lending and/or affordable housing

• Proven ability to manage complex litigation and relationships with multiple outside counsel.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Deep understanding of New York foreclosure law, affordable housing programs and commercial loan structures.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities with precision.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation

• 401(k) retirement plans with employer match

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and their dependents

• Commuter benefits

• PTO for vacation, personal days, sick leave, holidays, jury duty, bereavement, parental leave, and disability

• Tuition assistance program

• Two “work from anywhere” weeks per year

• Summer Fridays

• Collaborative working spaces

• Service days to support our communities

• Employee development and engagement events

• More about our offerings and culture here

This is a hybrid role where you will work from the Manhattan office two – three days a week. The salary range is $240,000 – $275,000, dependent on experience.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The Community Preservation Corporation does not provide employment sponsorship of any kind. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet all minimum qualifications for the position at the time of application.

The Community Preservation Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions including recruitment, selection, evaluation, promotion, compensation, training and termination are made without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, status as a veteran, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other protected status.