Staff Counsel

Closing Date: 31st August, 2024

Description:

DCWP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Staff Counsel. This individual will enforce New York City's licensing and consumer protection laws by assisting in the regulation of specific industries, including debt collection agencies and construction labor providers, to combat illegal conduct and deceptive trade practices. The Staff Counsel will be responsible for industry-wide regulatory compliance initiatives, investigations and enforcement against businesses that violate the law, from inception to the resolution of matters, including representing the agency at proceedings before the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) tribunal. Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel and Associate General Counsel for the Licensing Litigation Unit, Staff Counsel responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• conduct investigations and regulatory compliance projects of licensed and unlicensed businesses;
• draft legal documents and correspondence to licensees, businesses and their attorneys, other government agencies, respondents, the OATH tribunal, consumers, and third parties;
• assist in education and outreach, rule promulgation, and strategic planning, including research of federal and state case law and statutes;
• monitor legal trends and updates, and drafting memorandum on discrete legal issues; and
• conduct enforcement proceedings, including drafting and negotiating settlement agreements, drafting and filing notices or petitions, and representing the agency at OATH proceedings.

This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic team that strives to effectuate change and pursue matters that affect millions of New York City residents, particularly in the debt collection area. The ideal candidate will be responsible for these functions, as well as for special projects and assignments related to consumer or licensee issues or to DCWP's operations. In addition, as part of these functions, the Staff Counsel is responsible for careful case project management and operational tasks necessary to support and effectuate this work.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

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.

Preferred Skills:
Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills - proficiency in conducting legal research and undertaking factual investigations, including reviewing documents and conducting witness interviews - demonstrated excellent legal research, writing skills and negotiation skills - comfort with data-driven analysis and strategic planning - ability to effectively interact with multi-functional teams comprised of attorney and non-attorney staff - ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines - litigation experience, including in New York State courts and before OATH and - experience and knowledge in consumer protection laws and administrative law.

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