Assistant General Counsel - Legal Affairs

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel, the candidate will serve as an Assistant General Counsel within Legal Affairs to provide support as needed on an array of public health legal issues. The role involves conducting legal research, drafting analyses, providing recommendations on legal and policy matters, drafting amendments to the NYC Health Code and Commissioner of Health regulations, and preparing legal documents such as Orders of the Commissioner, agreements, contracts, and memoranda of understanding. The position also addresses concerns related to the enforcement of the NYC Health Code, Freedom of Information Law requests, privacy issues, and environmental health. Additionally, the role may require attending court hearings or appearing at OATH, maintaining confidential information, managing and distributing information, and establishing positive working relationships. The NYC Health Department, established in 1805, is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC residents through a wide array of programs and services. It serves as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Requirements

• 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

• Excellent research and writing skills
• Experience with litigation and transactional law
• Highly detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Previous experience using online legal databases such as West Law, CLEAR or Lexis Nexis
• Current working knowledge of Health Department procedures, policies and practices is a plus
• Current experience in or knowledge and interest in Freedom of Information Law requests, Privacy Issues, Day Care and Restaurant Enforcement and other public health matters is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft written analyses as needed, often on time-sensitive basis.
• Provide recommendations on questions of law and public health and/or administrative policy.
• Draft amendments to the NYC Health Code and Commissioner of Health regulations.
• Draft legal documents including Orders of the Commissioner, as well as varied types of agreements, contracts, and/or memoranda of understanding.
• Address concerns related to (but not limited to) enforcement of NYC Health Code, Freedom of Information Law requests, privacy issues, and environmental health.
• When required, attend court hearings or appear at OATH.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Manage and distribute information accurately and appropriately.
• Establish positive working relationships with co-workers and programs.
• Perform other additional duties, as needed.

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance.
• Premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax-deferred savings program
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Job Security

What This Job Offers

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