Description:
The Adult Protective Services Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (APS/LPCU) provides litigation support and counseling to HRA's Adult Protective Services Program (APS). On behalf of the city's most vulnerable at-risk, mentally or physically impaired adult population, the APS program makes referrals to APS/LPCU for legal review of proceedings for stays of eviction and appointments of Guardians ad litem in the Civil Court, or for Article 81 guardianship in the Supreme Court. The Unit's attorneys review such referrals for legal sufficiency and where the legal standard is met will draft pleadings and adjudicate such proceedings.The Office of General Counsel is requesting to recruit for an Agency Attorney III for their Adult Protective Services Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (APS/LPCU), who will provide legal services of a more complex nature on behalf of the Commissioner having significant financial, procedural or policy consequences:
- Counsel and provide legal guidance to the senior staff of APS on pertinent legal issues, policies, procedures, publications and special projects.
- Review and assess referrals from APS for potential legal action. Train APS staff on legal matters relating to Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 guardianships. May assist with training or mentoring junior staff and summer interns.
- Handle complex litigation, including commencing legal actions to appoint guardians pursuant to Mental Hygiene Law Article 81, for incapacitated adults at grave risk of homelessness, abuse or other hazards.
- Act as liaison and coordinate with the programs and the New York City Law Department on major litigation including class actions.
- Perform other related tasks, including attending Multi-disciplinary Team meetings.
Work Location: 4WTC 150 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007
Hours/Schedule: Monday - Friday 9 am – 5 pm, with flex time
Minimum 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).
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.
Preferred Skills:
Strong oral and written advocacy skills - Knowledge of proper courtroom etiquette, law and civil procedure - Ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the Agency. - Superior legal research and writing ability and time management discipline.
