Business Law Unit Attorney

City of New York•New York City, NY

28d•$83,000 - $95,450

About The Position

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $83,000 - $95,450. The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) within ACS provides legal representation and advice to the Commissioner and all divisions at ACS. OGC identifies areas of legal vulnerability and coordinates with other Divisions to ensure compliance with court orders, consent decrees, and other legal and regulatory mandates. OGC also works closely with the NYC Law Department to minimize risk and avoid litigation and defend ACS in class action and individual lawsuits. OGC is comprised of six legal units and two non-legal units. ACS spends nearly $2 billion of its overall annual budget of $2.7 billion on services and goods obtained through third parties to operate as an agency and implement its services. Purchases are numerous and range in kind from foster care services to hardware and software. Given the size and scope of these purchases, the Business Law Unit (“BLU”), within the Office of the General Counsel, serves a role similar to in-house counsel at large private and non-profit entities. BLU is responsible for drafting, reviewing, revising and interpreting contracts and solicitations, which include, but are not limited to, contracts, memoranda of understanding, licenses, cooperative agreements between ACS and other City agencies, leases, requests for proposals, and various technology related agreements. BLU provides legal counsel with regard to numerous legal issues that arise when ACS procures goods and services such as confidentiality, intellectual property, insurance, business corporation, municipality outsourcing, and indemnity obligations. BLU also serves as a liaison to the NYC Law Department in the contract approval process and commercial and real estate disputes. BLU duties extend beyond the initial contract process to include providing guidance on corrective action plans, vendor protest responses, and legal questions arising out of signed agreements. BLU also reviews leases in connection with landlord- tenant disputes and assists the NYC Law Department in preparing for litigation in relation to commercial agreements and landlord disputes. Under direction and supervision, with some latitude for independent judgment but with reviewed action and decision making, the Agency Attorney II will provide legal counsel, contract drafting and negotiating services to ACS.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
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.
To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have 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.
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

Draft, review, and interpret contracts for the purchase of goods and services entered into by ACS including specifications for solicitations and renewals, extensions, and modification agreements and other agreements between ACS and other parties such as memorandums of understanding with other City agencies.
Draft, review and interpret non-disclosure agreements, photograph/video releases and consents, corrective action plans, legal opinions, vendor protest responses, licenses and occupancy agreements.
Provide legal counsel to ACS program and administrative divisions on business, contract and procurement law matters.
Provide legal counsel with regard to financial services issues, debt collection, and on payments and budget issues.
Interpret commercial leases and provide legal support and guidance for facility-related projects.
Serve as liaison to the Law Department in connection with contract and commercial law as well as real estate issues and litigation matters.
Investigate and prepare reports relating to illegal but equitable claims filed with the Comptroller’s Office.
Analyze and identify complicated legal problems and issues by conducting legal research and reviewing applicable laws and regulations.
Formulate legal briefs and memorandums.
Assist with the training of new Agency Attorneys.
Handle special projects for the ACS Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners.