Assistant General Counsel - ELU

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Law Unit (ELU) within the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the NYC Health Department provides legal support for the Agency's public health functions. ELU oversees non-managerial employees, handling disciplinary matters and fitness for duty cases. The unit also acts as the Agency's liaison to the Conflicts of Interest Board, offering advice on conflicts of interest matters. The ELU is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to manage all phases of the disciplinary process, including investigations, drafting charges, and preparing for prosecution through appeals. This role involves mediating cases, negotiating settlements, and drafting agreements. The attorney will also provide advice on conflicts of interest law and draft waiver requests. Administrative duties include organizing case files and updating databases. Appearances are conducted via videoconference and in person at various administrative venues. All employees must participate in mandatory emergency preparedness activities.

Requirements

• JD from an accredited law school, member in good standing of the New York State Bar, or registered to sit for July 2026 Bar Exam.
• Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.

Nice To Haves

• Conflict resolution, mediation, ADR, and/or critical thinking college or law school course completion.
• Clear writing ability for extensive internal and external communications.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity and supporting racial justice.
• Excellent communication skills, including emotional intelligence and connections building with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research
• Draft disciplinary petitions and documents
• Attend meetings with staff and union representatives to mediate cases for resolution in early stages
• Assist ELU Deputy Director with counseling Agency managers and strategize outcome options
• Appear in litigation and assist with advocating for resolutions in the best interest of the City
• Prepare evidence and documents for use in disciplinary cases
• Draft settlement agreements
• Appear in administrative venues via videoconference and in person at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, Office of Labor Relations, and the Civil Service Commission
• Present training with slides to supervisory staff on the concept of progressive discipline and its relation to the administrative disciplinary process
• Draft Chapter 68 Waiver requests to COIB
• Other duties as requested by the Office of General Counsel

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
• Premium-free health insurance plan.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program.
• Job Security.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level