AGENCY ATTORNEY

City of New York • New York, NY

7d • $83,000 - $124,381 • Onsite

About The Position

The Agency Attorney II works in the New York City Police Department’s Legal Bureau, Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Unit. The Unit analyzes and responds to requests from the public and media for Department records, policies, statistics, and procedures, including sensitive and confidential materials. The attorney reports directly to the Records Access Officer and the Director, FOIL Matters. The role includes analyzing requests, retrieving and reviewing records, applying legally required redactions, advising and coordinating with agency executives, representing the Department in certain court proceedings, and assisting with unit supervision.

The New York City Police Department’s mission is to improve quality of life by partnering with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, protect people, reduce fear, and maintain order. Its Legal Bureau advises the Department on legal matters, monitors its relationship with the criminal justice system, supports interpretation and enforcement of applicable laws, reviews the lawfulness and fair application of Department policies and practices, and develops legislation relevant to Department needs and public safety.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar and continued good standing as a New York State Bar member 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.
• For Assignment Level II: one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience after bar admission 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 bar admission in areas related to the assignment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and intake FOIL requests from the public, including requests from law firms, media outlets, research students, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations.
• Retrieve records from Department databases and NYPD commands.
• Examine responsive records and apply appropriate redactions in accordance with applicable laws.
• Liaise with agency executives regarding significant or newsworthy requests.
• Represent the Department’s interests in New York State Supreme Court special proceedings in which petitioners seek to compel disclosure of records claimed to be exempt under FOIL.
• Assist with overall unit supervision, including covering for other legal staff in emergencies and reviewing unit work.

Benefits

• Health insurance for the employee, spouse or domestic partner, and unemancipated children under age 26
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid annual leave
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Pension
• Optional savings and pre-tax programs, including Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed