Associate General Counsel

City of New York • New York City, NY

6d

About The Position

The Office of the New York City Public Advocate is seeking an Associate General Counsel for its Office of the General Counsel. The office reviews and investigates residents’ complaints about City services and administrative actions, assists residents having difficulty receiving City services, assesses agencies’ responsiveness to the public, and recommends legislative or policy proposals to address service deficiencies. The Public Advocate is an independently elected public official who serves as a link between city government and residents, is a non-voting member of the New York City Council, and serves on City committees and boards.

The Associate General Counsel provides litigation and general legal support to the Deputy and General Counsel, researches and interprets law, advises staff, assists with administrative proceedings, and monitors legal and legislative matters affecting New York City residents. The role also involves collaboration with internal and external partners on legal and policy matters, serving as the office’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Officer, and handling other matters assigned by the General Counsel’s Office.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State bar.
• Excellent research, organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of New York City government structure and its agencies, and New York State and New York City government matters.
• Ability to rapidly prioritize and execute while demonstrating good judgment in confidential and complex matters.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Three to five or more years of legal experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and to the mission and vision of the Public Advocate.
• Familiarity with the New York City Charter, Administrative Code, and Rules of New York City.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Reliable, conscientious, and a team player.
• Prior experience in immigration law is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide litigation and general legal support to the Deputy and General Counsel.
• Research and interpret laws, statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Respond to staff legal inquiries concerning New York City local and administrative law.
• Assist with administrative proceedings.
• Research and monitor Federal, New York State, and New York City legal and legislative matters that address issues affecting NYC residents.
• Consult and collaborate with internal and external partners, including advocates, experts, and government officials, on legal and policy matters involving education and opportunity, employment, health equity, housing equity, immigration, infrastructure and environmental justice, and justice and public safety.
• Serve as Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Officer, managing and responding to FOIL requests.
• Handle other matters in the General Counsel’s Office as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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