John Joyce
Deputy Executive Director of Administration and General Counsel
Phone: 412.402.2457
Fax: 412.355.0837

Thomas J. McPoyle
Asst. General Counsel
Phone: 412.402.2516
Fax: 412.355.0837

Renee Mielnicki
Staff Attorney
Phone: 412.402.2603
Fax: 412.355.0837

Deborah Breitenstein, Legal Assistant
Phone: 412.402.2456
Fax: 412.355.0837

Emily Zeigler, Legal Secretary
Phone: 412.402.2572
Fax: 412.355.0837

MISSION STATEMENT:
The Legal Department is on the front line of protecting residents and employees through strict enforcement of the residential lease. This Department also protects the Authority by assuring compliance with relevant federal, state and local statutes and ordinances. Finally, the Legal Department represents and defends the Authority in legal proceedings before various courts and tribunals.

The Legal Department will continue to provide exceptional legal representation to the Authority by striving always to stay abreast of the constant changing of laws and procedures. All members of the department will remain knowledgeable through continuing legal education courses that all members are required to engage in.

The legal staff will continue to advocate the Authority's position while staying mindful of the need for careful analysis, reflection and compassion. While ultimately it is unpleasant to evict any individual, the Legal Department takes seriously its obligation to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing.

The legal staff stands ready to advise the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and all Authority employees on issues effecting the day-to-day operations of the agency.

The Legal Department will continue to ensure that all employees are able to work in an environment free from harassment or discrimination of any form.

The Legal Department will continue to assist the Authority in its endeavor to remain always a high performer and to be responsive to the people its serves as well as the general public in whole.

The Legal Department is involved in a wide range of activities to ensure that compliance with all existing statutes, regulations, policies and procedures are followed by the Authority in a fair and consistent manner. The Authority’s Legal Department is involved in all aspects of administration and operations of the Authority, including but not limited to:

• Representation of the Authority in legal proceedings
• Administration of legal representation of the Authority by outside counsel
• Contract negotiation, preparation, and review
• Compliance with relevant federal, state and local statutes and ordinances, and training to appropriate personnel relative to compliance issues
• Employee and tenant grievance procedures
• Insurance procurement and claims administration
• Activities of corporate entities owned by the ACHA
• Labor negotiations, and other employment related issues
• Sanders Consent Decree oversight

The Legal Department also handles all issues dealing with human resources. This includes providing support services to ACHA employees, the administration of benefits, and staffing needs.