Closing Date: 3rd July, 2024

Description:

This Position May Be Eligible for Remote Work for Up to 2 Days Per Week, Pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCWP licenses more than 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries and enforces key consumer protection, licensing, and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources and, by helping to resolve complaints, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. Through its community outreach and the work of its offices of Financial Empowerment and Labor Policy & Standards, DCWP empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need to be educated consumers and to achieve financial health and work-life balance. DCWP also conducts research and advocates for public policy that furthers its work to support New York City's communities. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp or on its social media sites, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

DCWP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Senior Staff Counsel (SSC). Reporting to the Associate General Counsel in the Special Projects and Policy unit, the SSC will:
  • Review, research, and draft final determinations on hearing and default recommendations made on New York state law issues by the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), the City's administrative tribunal;
  • Review, research, and draft final decisions on recommendations issued by OATH following trials on laws and rules enforced by DCWP, including significant consumer and worker protection cases;
  • Analyze, research, and draft legislation affecting DCWP, including the legal and policy efficacy of such legislation and its impact on DCWP;
  • Provide guidance to staff and management on DCWP laws, rules and related policies and address legal issues arising from DCWP's licensing, collections and enforcement work;
  • Draft rules related to DCWP's regulatory authority, in accordance with the City's rulemaking (CAPA) process; and
  • Assist in implementing other special projects with agency-wide impact.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for careful case project management and operational tasks necessary to support and effectuate this work. The position requires an individual who enjoys substantial responsibility and thrives in a fast-paced, sometimes high-pressured environment.

Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
  2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
  3. 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.

Preferred Skills:
Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills - Strong aptitude for research, due diligence and attention to detail, to ensure accuracy of work product - Demonstrated excellent legal research, writing skills and negotiation skills - Impeccable legal judgment, problem solving skills and ability to resolve issues in a diplomatic and expedient fashion - Familiarity with administrative law issues - Experience with regulatory compliance - Comfort with data-driven analysis and strategic planning - Able to interact effectively with multi-functional teams comprised of attorney and non-attorney staff - Able to effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines - Interest in or experience in government or public sector work - Interest in working in a hands-on “roll up your sleeves” atmosphere