The Public Advocate, an independently elected public official, serves as a direct link between city government and residents, acting as a “watchdog” for New Yorkers. The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council, an ex officio member of all Council committees and introduces and co-sponsors legislation. The Public Advocate serves on various City committees and appoints members to several boards and commissions. The Office of the New York City Public Advocate reviews and investigates residents’ complaints about City services and administrative actions, assists people having difficulty receiving City services, assesses whether City agencies are responsive to the public, and recommends legislative or policy proposals to address identified service deficiencies.
The Office of the New York City Public Advocate is seeking to fill an Associate General Counsel position in its Office of the General Counsel. Applicants must be admitted to the New York State bar.
Principal Duties:
-Providing litigation and general legal support to the Deputy and General Counsel;
-Researching and interpreting laws, statutes, rules, regulations;
-Responding to legal inquiries from staff on New York City local and administrative law;
-Assisting with administrative proceedings;
-Researching and monitoring a wide variety of legal issues relating to Federal, New York State and New York City legal and legislative matters that seek to address critical issues impacting NYC residents;
-Consulting and collaborating with internal and external partners, including advocates, experts, government officials, and others on legal and policy matters relating to - education and opportunity, employment, healthy equity, housing equity, immigration, infrastructure and environmental justice, and justice and public safety;
-Serving as Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Officer, which includes managing and responding to FOIL requests;
-Handling other matters in the General Counsel’s Office as may be assigned
Preferred Qualifications:
-3 - 5+ years of legal experience.
-Demonstrated commitment to public service and to the mission and vision of the Public Advocate.
-Excellent research, organizational, analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
-Strong knowledge about New York City government structure and its agencies and NYS/NYC state/local government matters. Familiarity with the New York City Charter, Administrative Code and Rules of New York City.
-Ability to rapidly prioritize as well as execute while demonstrating good judgment in confidential and complex matters.
-Experience working with diverse communities.
-Reliable, conscientious and a team player.
-Ability to establish effective working relationships.
-Prior experience in Immigration law is preferred for this position.
-Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency is a plus.
LEGAL COUNSEL - 30166
-Admitted to the New York State Bar and in good standing.
-Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The City of New York is the most iconic and dynamic city on the planet. With a population of more than 8.4 million people, New York is not only the largest city in the United States — it is the academic, cultural, commercial, and financial capital of the world.
City government is filled with opportunities for talented individuals seeking to improve their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. Every day, the City’s more than 300,000 employees improve infrastructure, provide vital social services, build technology, protect health and safety, and so much more. Join us today at: http://www1.nyc.gov/jobs
The City of New York offers its employees:
• A chance to build the future of this city. New York City government is at the crossroads of where policy, great ideas, city services, and smart urban planning meet the lives and needs of every day New Yorkers.
• Competitive salary and benefits. Hiring packages include a competitive salary, health benefits, various pension plans, employee assistance programs, and individual retirement accounts.
• Diverse career opportunities. As the largest local government in the United States with more than 40 agencies, the City of New York offers a broad spectrum of opportunities — from education, housing development, and public health to sustainability, economic growth, technology, and emergency management.
• Career Satisfaction. As a City employee, you will have the chance to shape the future of New York City and improve the quality of life for your family, neighbors, and fellow New Yorkers.
• Equal Opportunity and Inclusion. The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discriminatory action against City employees and applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity alienage, citizenship status, gender, religion, creed and all other protected categories.
