Job Description
- DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
- Full-Time
- No Exam Required
The DOC seeks to recruit highly motivated Agency Attorneys to join the DOC?s Legal Division. The Legal Division serves as in-house counsel for the Department under the supervision of the General Counsel. Agency Attorneys work under the supervision of Senior Attorneys and receive training and practical experience in all tasks performed in the DOC Legal Division. Attorneys in the Legal Division advise on a wide range of matters including legal, policy, operational, and administrative issues. Agency Attorneys will assist with the diverse range of legal issues that may affect the Department of Correction. Duties of the Agency Attorney include:
- Investigating and preparing responses to administrative complaints brought by
- Implementing terms of Consent Judgments and settlements and advocating for
- Investigating, preparing responses to, and appearing on Article 78 petitions
- Assist the NYC Law Department by engaging in the defense of the DOC and its
State common law tort cases, equal employment law. This also includes
participating in the defense of cases that injunctive relief and, when appropriate,
engaging in the negotiating and implementation of said relief upon settlement.
- Identifying and preparing Department employees for testimony in various venues.
- Drafting contracts, memoranda of understanding, stipulations, affidavits, as well
- Advising Executive Staff of the legality of potential policy changes.
- Responding to subpoenas and FOIL requests served on the Department.
- Assisting the Department in rulemaking, regulatory compliance, and risk
- Assisting the Department in all aspects of the Board of Correction (?BOC?)
with the Law Department, and translation of Department policies and practices
into draft BOC rules, or amendments thereto, if necessary.
- Collaborate with BOC, H+H, and other City agencies, City Hall, City Council,
- Work with and guide junior attorneys.
- Providing advice and counsel to ensure the Department meets on statutory and
federal, state and local laws and regulations that affect or inform the
Department?s work.
- Performing related duties as assigned.
Preferred Skills
- A minimum of three (3) years experience with litigation or administrative
- Familiarity with Correction Law, Section 1983 of the Federal Civil Rights Law,
- An administrative law, policy, or legislative background.
- Familiarity with criminal justice and correctional policy, and prison law.
- Strong analytic skills and ability to frame legal issues in ways that inform
- Exceptional ability to make well-informed, timely, and tough decisions.
- Ability to solve problems through application of technical knowledge, critical
- Excellent legal research abilities, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of
AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087
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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education?s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
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.
