Job Description

The Office of General Counsel/Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting for one Agency Attorney III to function as the Senior Attorney within the General Counsel’s Office. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal counsel to the Commissioners and Administrators of both the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and to senior Agency officials. This office provides strategic guidance on legal matters that may have a significant programmatic or fiscal impact upon the Department of Social Services (DSS/HRA/DHS). The General Counsel is responsible for the administration of the Office of Legal Affairs, the Fair Hearing Administration, the Office of Policy, Procedure and Training and oversees the Office of Contracts and Office of Advocacy. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal advisement, litigation, and contract services to DSS, HRA, and DHS’s administrative and program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with the federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Office of the General Counsel/Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting for one Agency Attorney III to function as a Senior Attorney who will:

Coordinate and review the legal analysis of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding agency initiatives involving significant legal or financial implications for the administration of benefits in the City.

Supervise attorneys providing legal representation of the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services in state courts on complex litigation matters including but not limited to Article 78 actions, class and civil actions. Assign, review, revise and prepare opinions and legal documents in all areas of law.

Assign litigation matters to subordinate attorneys. Review and edit court papers. Conduct legal research; conduct investigations and interview witnesses; prepare written motions, objections and rebuttals and other legal memoranda. Provide legal counsel to program area(s) and negotiate settlements and stipulations in the enforcement of temporary housing and public assistance regulations and state law.

Advise staff on developing appropriate litigation strategies or may assist the Executive Agency Counsels of the Unit by taking charge of the advocacy of complex legal issues, and perform legal research on complex subject matter. Maintain litigation records and update program area on outcome and impact of court decisions and rulings.

Monitor time and leave of subordinate staff. Evaluate and rate staff job performance and assist the Executive Agency Counsels of the unit in management planning decisions, program counseling and strategies affecting the unit.

Conduct staff meetings and/or briefings relevant to legal status of assigned cases; prepare reports with recommendations for managerial decision and action. Prepare transfer and appeal memorandums to NYC Law Dept.

4 World Trade Center, 150 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007

Monday through Friday 9am – 5 pm with flex

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.

One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or

Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:

To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.