Policy Counsel – Worker Protection

City of New York•New York, NY

8d•$83,000 - $95,450•Hybrid

About The Position

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency charged with delivering economic justice. DCWP leverages its authority to bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws, including the Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers. Through licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, DCWP ensures fair competition and a level playing field for responsible small businesses that are integral to New York City’s vibrant communities. DCWP also provides essential services such as free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. DCWP is committed to making sure New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Founded in 2014, the Office of Labor Policy & Standards (“OLPS”) enforces the City’s worker protection laws, including the Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek scheduling laws that protect fast food and retail workers, and Delivery Worker Laws that protect delivery workers classified as independent contractors. OLPS settles and litigates dozens of large cases a year on behalf of classes of workers who have experienced violations of pay or scheduling rights. We have recovered over $120 million for workers through enforcement and raised pay by over $1 billion via the minimum pay rate for delivery workers classified as independent contractors. We also administer the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA) program, which assists freelance workers who have experienced wage theft and other violations, and we bring pattern and practice litigation on behalf of freelancers against repeat violators. In July 2026, we will begin enforcing Local Law 52 of 2026, which protects Uber and Lyft drivers from wrongful deactivation. Under all laws we enforce, OLPS obtains monetary compensation for workers for violations and brings companies into compliance. Working closely with outside stakeholders, OLPS also advocates for new laws, performs research and data analysis to make policy recommendations, and conducts outreach and education to workers, employers, and the general public. Under Mayor Mamdani, DCWP’s worker protection enforcement staff is rapidly expanding from a staff of 45 to 75 in 2026, with further expansion planned in future years. More information about our office is available at nyc.gov/workers. DCWP is seeking attorneys with an interest in policy and legislative work and issues affecting low-wage workers. This position may be eligible for remote work for up to 2 days per week pursuant to the Flexible Work Pilot Program.

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.

Nice To Haves

Strong attention to detail
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Enjoys the challenge of performing complex legal research
Collaborating with diverse teams
Working with both attorneys and non-attorneys
Tackling novel legal and policy questions creatively

Responsibilities

Analyze legislation proposed by City Council and recommend any amendments. This includes drafting position memos, editing hearing testimony, and drafting legislative amendments.
Assist in the preparation of various policy documents as needed, including annual legislative and regulatory agendas, internal briefing materials, and position statements or public comments on city, state, or federal legislation.
Monitor relevant legal and policy news to inform OLPS enforcement and policy work.
Perform research to support OLPS enforcement and policy work. This includes drafting memos on legal, factual and other policy questions.
Draft proposed rules to implement new laws.
Collaborate with OLPS enforcement teams to identify potential subjects for rules and guidance.
Draft correspondence and legal briefs as needed on matters related to policy and defensive litigation.
Draft public-facing materials about the laws OLPS enforces.
Assist with inquiries from the public about laws that fall outside the jurisdiction of the agency.
Collaborate with enforcement, external affairs, and general counsel teams on policy matters and special projects as needed.
Serve as OLPS representative in meetings with other divisions, agencies, and stakeholders.
Support project management for complex policy and law implementation projects.