Closing Date: 14th October, 2026

Description:

Duties Description
Assistant Deputy Counsel specialize in particular substantive areas of the law which relate to the development and implementation of court policies and the administration of the Unified Court System. They are responsible for assisting less experienced attorneys in Counsel's Office under the general direction of Deputy Counsel and Counsel to the Office of Court Administration. Assistant Deputy Counsel analyze complex legal issues and questions presented by proposed administrative rules, legislation, and litigation, advise judges and non-judicial personnel on the implications of procedures and programs, and perform other related duties.

This position will be responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to various divisions in the Unified Court System (UCS) regarding contract and procurement matters. The duties of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Reviewing/drafting/negotiating:Contracts for goods and servicesGrant and program contractsIntergovernmental agreements and memoranda of understanding with Federal, state, and local governmentsLeases and related mattersProcurement document specifications (IFBs and requests for proposals) for clarity and legal sufficiency
  • Advising on contract-related transactional and administrative issues
  • Reviewing federal grant award conditions and assurances
  • Providing advice and counsel on contract and procurement policies/procedures, contract submissions to the New York State Office of the Attorney General, Office of the New York State Comptroller, and any other oversight officers and agencies.
  • Other legal duties as assigned.

The preferred candidate will possess exceptional written and oral communication, organization, and time management skills. Candidates should have familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite of products.

Preference will be given to candidates with contracting and procurement experience, particularly in the areas of real estate, information technology, and/or intellectual property.

Minimum Qualifications
Admission to the New York State Bar; and Two years of service in the Associate Counsel title or a minimum of five years of relevant legal experience; including up to 18 months of pre-admission experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Contracting and procurement experience, particularly in the areas of real estate, information technology, and/or intellectual property.

Additional Comments
The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

UCS offers a comprehensive NYS benefits package: paid leave, including up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for qualified employees; health, vision, and dental insurance; and retirement benefits.

For new state employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Candidates from UCS or other branches of state government may be appointed at a salary above the hiring rate up to a maximum of $168,568 pursuant to the New York State Office of the State Comptroller Salary Manual for the Unified Court System.

Note on Telecommuting: The New York State Unified Court Systems offers one day of remote work per week subject to supervisor approval.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.