Description:
The Department of Social Services' Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.The Office of the General Counsel / Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting for a Supervising Agency Attorney, in the Homeless Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (HLPCU) to function as a Supervisor, who will work towards defending the agency in cases enforcing client responsibility and discontinuing temporary housing assistance. Under direction of an Associate General Counsel, the Supervisor will:
- Supervise attorneys providing legal representation of the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services in state courts on complex litigation matters including but not limited to Article 78 actions, class and civil actions. Assign, review, revise and prepare opinions and legal documents in all areas of law.
- Assign litigation matters to subordinate attorneys. Review and edit court papers. Conduct legal research; conduct investigations and interview witnesses; prepare written motions, objections and rebuttals and other legal memoranda. Provide legal counsel to program area(s) and negotiate settlements and stipulations in the enforcement of temporary housing and public assistance regulations and state law.
- Assist staff with developing appropriate litigation strategies or the Supervising Attorney may assist the Executive Agency Counsels of the Unit by taking charge of the advocacy of complex legal issues, and perform legal research on complex subject matter. Maintain litigation records and update program area on outcome and impact of court decisions and rulings.
- Monitor time and leave of subordinate staff. Evaluate and rate staff job performance and assist the Executive Agency Counsels of the unit in management planning decisions, program counseling and strategies affecting the unit.
- Conduct staff meetings and/or briefings relevant to legal status of assigned cases; prepare reports with recommendations for managerial decision and action. Prepare transfer and appeal memorandums to NYC Law Dept.
Work Location: 4 World Trade Center, 150 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007
Hours/Schedule: Monday through Friday 9am – 5 pm with flex
Minimum Qualifications:
- 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).
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
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:
Strong oral and written advocacy skills. - Knowledge of proper courtroom etiquette, family law and civil procedure. - Ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the agency. - Superior legal research and writing ability and time management discipline. - Prior experience as a supervisor or mentor.
