Attorney II

City of New York•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Social Services' (DSS) Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations. The APS/LPCU provides litigation support and counseling to HRA’s Adult Protective Services Program (APS). On behalf of the city’s most vulnerable at-risk, impaired adult population, the APS program makes referrals to APS/LPCU for legal review of proceedings for stays of eviction and appointments of Guardians ad litem in the Civil Court, or for Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) Article 81 guardianship in the Supreme Court. The unit’s attorneys review such referrals for legal sufficiency and where the legal standard is met will draft pleadings and adjudicate such proceedings. Failure to provide these legal services to APS could expose HRA to State imposed sanctions for failure to comply with APS statutes and regulations, as well as, placing a frail and vulnerable population at risk. The Office of General Counsel/ Office of Legal Affairs is requesting to recruit for one (1) Agency Attorney II to function as Attorney II for their Adult Protective Services Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (APS/LPCU), who will: - Provide legal assistance counsel to APS on a variety of matters, including more sophisticated legal work. - Draft legal memoranda and guidance on policy questions; Render litigation support in proceedings such as Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 guardianship, and Civil Housing Court matters. - Work with the Law Department on major class action lawsuits commenced against APS. - Represent the Commissioner within motions before the courts, hearings, petitions, etc. to pursue or avert further litigation. May recommend statutory and regulatory revisions related to agency issues. - Negotiate on behalf of the Agency in order to obtain settlements or judgments. May determine the advisability of presenting witnesses, admissibility of types of evidence and matters of legal strategy. - May assist with the staff training on policy, practices and new procedures. Guides, supervises and/or reviews work of support staff to ensure completeness and compliance with agency policy and professional standards. - Perform other related tasks.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar
One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
One year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Nice To Haves

To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Responsibilities

Provide legal assistance counsel to APS on a variety of matters, including more sophisticated legal work.
Draft legal memoranda and guidance on policy questions; Render litigation support in proceedings such as Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 guardianship, and Civil Housing Court matters.
Work with the Law Department on major class action lawsuits commenced against APS.
Represent the Commissioner within motions before the courts, hearings, petitions, etc. to pursue or avert further litigation.
Recommend statutory and regulatory revisions related to agency issues.
Negotiate on behalf of the Agency in order to obtain settlements or judgments.
Determine the advisability of presenting witnesses, admissibility of types of evidence and matters of legal strategy.
Assist with staff training on policy, practices and new procedures.
Guide, supervise and/or review work of support staff to ensure completeness and compliance with agency policy and professional standards.
Perform other related tasks.