Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building sustainable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, and Washington DC, Fairstead owns a portfolio of more than 25,000 apartments across 28 states that includes 17,000 units under management. Fairstead’s commitment to communities is realized through a comprehensive platform that leverages in-house expertise in acquisitions, development, design and construction, asset management, and property management.

Fairstead’s primary mission is to provide high quality housing to all regardless of income, and to make our stakeholders feel “Right at Home.” We accomplish this through an empathetic and innovative approach, and by utilizing our interdisciplinary platform as an investor, developer, owner, and operator.

Fairstead’s Core Values: Empathy, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Determination & Integrity

We are seeking a proactive and organized In-House Paralegal to join our team in New York. This role will primarily involve serving as a liaison between ownership, property managers, and outside counsel handling landlord-tenant matters and DHCR cases. The ideal candidate will maintain accurate records of open matters, track case progress, and ensure ownership is kept informed with regular updates and reports. Additionally, the Paralegal will work closely with outside counsel to resolve matters effectively and assess their performance, providing recommendations for improvements or changes as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary point of contact between ownership, property management staff, and outside counsel on landlord-tenant disputes, eviction proceedings, and DHCR-related cases.
• Work with outside counsel to effectively and timely resolve legal matters, ensuring deadlines are met and strategies align with ownership's goals.
• Assess the performance of outside counsel, including timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and quality of work, and provide recommendations regarding any necessary changes.
• Monitor and maintain detailed records of active legal matters, including litigation, administrative proceedings, and compliance requirements.
• Prepare and update regular reports for ownership summarizing the status of open cases, court deadlines, and legal outcomes.
• Collaborate with property managers and ownership to gather necessary documentation, such as leases, correspondence, and rent histories, for legal matters.
• Track DHCR filings, rent registrations, and compliance with rent stabilization or rent control regulations.
• Assist with drafting routine correspondence, notices, and internal memos related to landlord-tenant issues.
• Review legal bills and invoices from outside counsel to ensure accuracy and adherence to budgetary guidelines.
• Stay updated on changes in landlord-tenant law and DHCR regulations that may impact ownership or property management practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience as a paralegal or similar role, with a focus on landlord-tenant law and DHCR cases.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and case management tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with New York landlord-tenant law and DHCR procedures.
• Experience working in a real estate, property management, or in-house legal department.
• Knowledge of rent regulation laws and DHCR filing processes.

• Please note, this role will be based out of our New Savoy Park office. Office location: 15 West 139 Street, NY NY. It is on site everyday 8:30 - 5 PM.

Diversity in backgrounds and experiences is key to Fairstead’s growth and success. Being an equal opportunity employer is a central tenet of our philosophy that shapes who we are and the communities we serve. Our goal is to ensure competitive total compensation that is commensurate with experience, location, and other market benchmarks. NYC Pay Range: $70,000 - $140,000

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