Agency Attorney

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The New York City Department of Probation (DOP) supports public safety by using research-based practices to supervise and support people on probation. It works to expand access to education, employment, healthcare, family supports, and civic engagement so people under its supervision can lead safe and thriving lives. Under the direction of the General Counsel and Advocate Director, and with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, the Agency Attorney III provides legal advice and recommendations, handles employee disciplinary matters and investigations, and advises on employment, ethics, and related legal issues. The role also involves drafting legal documents and agency policies, representing DOP in court and administrative proceedings, conducting negotiations, and supervising staff performing related duties.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar, maintained in good standing throughout employment.
Either one year of satisfactory U.S. legal experience after admission to any state bar, or six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
For Assignment Level II: one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience after admission to the bar in areas related to the assignment.
For Assignment Level III: two years of experience at Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience after admission to the bar in areas related to the assignment.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and recommendations regarding the soundness of charges; prepare specifications of charges; coordinate and gather evidence; and interview witnesses.
Draft, review, and prepare briefs, motions, legal opinions, affidavits, memoranda, contracts, legislation, and other legal papers.
Train supervisory staff on disciplinary procedures.
Draft thoroughly researched legal memoranda on employment, ethics, and related legal issues; advise and assist with developing, drafting, and updating agency policies and procedures.
Oversee agency compliance with laws, rules, and regulations concerning conflicts of interest and ethics in New York City government, including COIB and CFB regulations, the New York Rules of Professional Responsibility, and internal policies and procedures; advise staff on these requirements.
Oversee internal investigations into employee misconduct and conflicts of interest, as well as special investigations; supervise staff performing this work.
Appear in court, argue cases, and conduct hearings before courts, quasi-judicial bodies, and administrative tribunals.
Prosecute disciplinary actions under Civil Service Law § 75 and medical proceedings under Civil Service Law § 72 against agency employees.
Advise on disciplinary action and represent the agency throughout employee disciplinary proceedings under New York Civil Service Law and union contracts, including litigating trials before OATH.
Conduct difficult and involved negotiations on behalf of the agency.
Negotiate, draft, review, and execute stipulations of agreement.
Recommend statutory and regulatory revisions related to agency issues.
Perform other related duties as assigned.