Staff Counsel

City of New York•New York City, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position may be eligible for remote work for up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCWP licenses nearly 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries and enforces key consumer protection and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. DCWP empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need to achieve financial health and work-life balance. DCWP also conducts research and advocates for public policy that furthers its work to support New York City’s communities. 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. DCWP’s General Counsel Division is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Staff Counsel in the Special Projects and Policy Unit. The Staff Counsel will focus on investigation of, and enforcement against, businesses that violate the City’s laws and rules related to the illegal sale of tobacco and uncertified micromobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters. The Staff Counsel will perform other functions, as necessary, within the General Counsel Division. Under the supervision of the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Associate General Counsel,

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

Investigate and prosecute businesses engaged in illegal conduct
Draft orders authorizing the sealing of businesses engaged in illegal conduct related to the City’s tobacco laws and laws requiring micromobility devices be certified for safety
Draft final adjudicatory decisions related to New York State laws enforced by DCWP
Undertake legal research and draft memorandum on legal issues facing the agency
Draft general correspondence and legal documents
Negotiate and draft settlement agreements
Develop and draft proposed agency rules
Draft pleadings, motion papers, and other legal documents for actions brought in New York Supreme Court against landlords facilitating unlawful conduct on their premises
Appear before New York Supreme Court to litigate against landlords facilitating unlawful conduct
Negotiate and draft settlement agreements for civil penalties and consumer restitution
Responsible for careful case project management and operational tasks necessary to support and effectuate this work
Bring charges against businesses at the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)