General Counsel

City of New York•New York City, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Richmond County District Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as General Counsel. The General Counsel reports directly to the Chief Assistant District Attorney and works closely with the RCDA executive team and leadership. The role advises executive leadership and managers on legal, factual, and administrative-policy questions; manages regulatory and labor and employment law compliance; and serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer and litigation liaison. The General Counsel also advises the District Attorney and staff on administrative, ethical, operational, and legal matters; oversees investigations and related documentation; develops office-wide compliance, discovery, and professional standards; manages civil claims, subpoenas, and litigation involving the office; and reviews agency policies and agreements for legal and regulatory compliance. The position serves as a liaison to governmental agencies, acts as the COIB Liaison, and provides special counsel support to specialized bureaus, including Appeals, Training, and Conviction Integrity. The office describes a flexible work-life arrangement that combines in-person work with the opportunity to work from home. Managers who work a significant number of hours within a two-week period may receive a DA certificate allowing a day off without using accrued leave. The position pays $185,000–$230,000 and includes a full NYC benefits package. The selected candidate must reside in New York City or become a resident within 90 days of appointment and must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar.
Eight years of recent, full-time, responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience after admission to any bar.
At least eighteen months of experience supervising other attorneys, working in an administrative, managerial, or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Remain a member of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.
Must reside in New York City or become a resident within 90 days of appointment.
Authorization to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

At least five years’ experience as an advisor to an executive team.
Familiarity with New York City government operations within a law enforcement agency.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment and labor laws.
Expertise in EEO, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and workplace investigations.
Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Experience managing employment disputes, administrative charges, and litigation.
Strong interviewing, fact-finding, and investigative skills.
Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and agreements.
Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential matters.
Strong negotiation, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop and implement workplace policies and compliance programs.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to advise executives and staff.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.

Responsibilities

Advise the District Attorney and staff on administrative, ethical, operational, and legal matters.
Prepare disciplinary charges, memoranda, reports, stipulations, and related documents for investigations and hearings.
Conduct impartial investigations into discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other EEO violations.
Maintain confidential investigative files and records in compliance with legal and policy requirements.
Prepare position statements responding to federal, state, and local discrimination charges.
Develop and oversee office-wide compliance, discovery, and professional standards.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Manage civil claims, subpoenas, and litigation involving the office.
Develop, review, revise, and implement agency policies to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
Review contracts, memoranda of understanding, linkage agreements, and related documents for legal compliance.
Recommend statutory and regulatory changes affecting agency policies and procedures.
Serve as the agency’s primary liaison with the NYC Law Department, Department of Investigation, Department of Labor, OATH, and other governmental agencies on legal matters.
Serve as the COIB Liaison, overseeing dual-employment requests and related compliance requirements.
Provide Special Counsel support to specialized bureaus, including Appeals, Training, and Conviction Integrity.
Counsel executive leadership and managers on questions of law, fact, and administrative policy.
Manage the office’s regulatory compliance and labor and employment law compliance portfolios.
Serve as the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer and litigation liaison.

Benefits

Free city-wide health plan option.
Five weeks of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave, and 13 paid holidays annually.
Management Benefits Fund, including comprehensive dental and vision coverage, access to free life insurance, and gym reimbursement.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Reimbursement for annual bar association and notary fees.
Pension plan through the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS).
Deferred compensation plans: 401(k) and 457.
Professional development programs, including in-house CLE courses.
Flexible work arrangement combining in-person work with the opportunity to work from home.
Eligible managers may receive a day off without using accrued leave when they work a significant number of hours within a two-week period.